Substituted pyrimidinium compounds and derivatives for combating animal pests

ABSTRACT

Substituted pyrimidinium compounds of the general formula (I) and their uses for combating animal pests 
     The present invention relates to substituted pyrimidinium compounds of formula (I), to the stereoisomers, salts, tautomers and N-oxides thereof and to compositions comprising such compounds. The invention also relates to methods and uses of these substituted pyrimidinium compounds and of compositions thereof, for combating and controlling animal pests. Furthermore the invention relates also to pesticidal methods of applying such substituted pyrimidinium compounds. 
     The substituted pyrimidinium compounds of the present invention are defined by the following general formula (I): 
                         
wherein X, Y, Z, R 1 , R 2 , A and Het are defined as in the description.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/783,600, filed Oct. 9, 2015, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. U.S. application Ser. No. 14/783,600 is a National Stage application of International Application No. PCT/EP2014/057344, filed Apr. 11, 2014, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/810,746, filed Apr. 11, 2013, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to insecticidal substituted pyrimidinium compounds and/or to the compositions comprising such compounds for combating invertebrate pests. The invention also relates to pesticidal methods, to uses and to applications of substituted pyrimidinium compounds as described in the present invention and the stereoisomers, salts, tautomers and N-oxides thereof as well as compositions comprising them.

Invertebrate pests and in particular insects, arthropods and nematodes destroy growing and harvested crops and attack wooden dwelling and commercial structures, thereby causing large economic loss to the food supply and to property. While a large number of pesticidal agents are known, due to the ability of target pests to develop resistance to said agents, there is an ongoing need for new agents for combating invertebrate pests such as insects, arachnids and nematodes. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide compounds having a good pesticidal activity and showing a broad activity spectrum against a large number of different invertebrate pests, especially against difficult to control insects, arachnids and nematodes.

It has been found that these objectives can be achieved by substituted pyrimidinium compounds of the general formula (I), as defined below, including their stereoisomers, their salts, in particular their agriculturally or veterinary acceptable salts, their tautomers and their N-oxides.

Therefore, in a first aspect the present invention provides substituted pyrimidinium compounds of formula (I) or a composition comprising at least one substituted pyrimidinium compound of formula (I)

-   -   wherein     -   X, Y are each independently O or S;     -   Z is a direct bond, O, S(O)_(m), NR^(b), C(R^(a)R^(aa))O,         C(═X¹), C(═X¹)Y¹, or Y¹C(═X¹);     -   X¹ is O, S, or NR^(b);     -   Y¹ is O, S, or NR^(c);     -   A is CH or N and, wherein the nitrogen of the pyrimidinium ring         taken together with the contiguous linking carbon atom and A as         depicted in formula (I), form a four- to seven-membered ring,         wherein each remaining ring member is selected from carbon atoms         and up to 3 heteroatoms independently selected from up to 2 O,         up to 2 S, and up to 3 N(R^(c))_(p), wherein up to 2 carbon atom         ring members are independently selected from C(═O) and C(═S),         and the sulfur atom ring members are independently selected from         S(═O)_(m), wherein each ring may be substituted with up to 3         R^(a);     -   Het is a three- to ten-membered heterocyclic ring or a seven- to         eleven-membered heterocyclic ring system, each ring or ring         system member selected from carbon atoms and up to 4 heteroatoms         independently selected from up to 2 O, up to 2 S, and up to 4         N(R^(c))_(p), wherein up to 3 carbon atom ring members are         independently selected from C(═O) and C(═S) and the sulfur atom         ring members are independently selected from         S(═O)_(o)(═NR^(b))_(q), each ring or ring system optionally         substituted with up to 5 R^(a);         -   o, q are each independently 0, 1 or 2, provided that the sum             (o+q) is 0, 1 or 2 for each ring;     -   R¹ is hydrogen, C₁-C₈-alkyl, C₂-C₈-alkenyl, C₂-C₈-alkynyl,         C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkyl, C₄-C₁₀-cycloalkenyl,         C₅-C₁₄-cycloalkylcycloalkyl or R¹ may form a three- to         eleven-membered saturated, or partially unsaturated or aromatic         carbo- or heterocyclic ring or ring system, which may contain 1         to 4 heteroatoms selected from N(R^(c))_(p), O, and S, wherein S         may be oxidized, and wherein the aforementioned groups and the         carbo- or heterocyclic rings system may be unsubstituted,         partially or fully substituted by R^(a); or         -   R¹ is C(═O)R^(b), C(═O)OR^(e), NR^(b)R^(c),             C(═O)NR^(b)R^(c), C(═S)NR^(b)R^(c), SO₂NR^(b)R^(c),             OC(═O)R^(c), OC(═O)OR^(e), OC(═O)NR^(b)R^(e),             N(R^(c))C(═O)R^(c), N(R^(c))C(═O)OR^(e),             N(R^(c))C(═O)NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(c)SO₂R^(b),             NR^(c)SO₂NR^(b)R^(c), Si(R^(d))₃, C(═NR^(c))R^(c),             C(═NOR^(c))R^(c), C(═NNR^(b)R^(c))R^(c),             C(═NN(C(═O)R^(b))R^(c))R^(c), C(═NN(C═O)OR^(c))(R^(c))₂,             S(═O)_(o)(═NR^(b))_(q)R^(c), or N═CR^(b)R^(c);         -   R^(a) is each independently halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl,             C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy,             C₂-C₄-alkenyl, C₂-C₄-alkynyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, CN, OR^(c),             NR^(b)R^(c), NO₂, C(═O)(O)_(p)R^(c), OC(═O)(O)_(p)R^(e),             C(═O)NR^(b)R^(c), OC(═O)NR^(b)R^(e),             NR^(b)C(═O)(O)_(p)R^(e), NR^(b)C(═O)NR^(b)R^(c),             C(═S)NR^(b)R^(c), S(O)_(m)R^(b), SO₂NR^(b)R^(c), OSO₂R^(c),             OSO₂NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)SO₂R^(c), NR^(b)SO₂NR^(b)R^(c),             N═S(═O)_(p)R^(c)R^(c), S(═O)_(o)(═NR^(b))_(q)R^(c), SF₅,             OCN, SCN, Si(R^(d))₃ or a three- to six-membered saturated,             or partially unsaturated or aromatic carbo- or heterocyclic             ring, which may contain 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from             N—(R^(c))_(p), O, and S which may be oxidized, and wherein             the aforementioned groups and the carbo- or heterocyclic             ring may be partially or fully substituted by R^(aa), or             -   two geminally bound groups R^(a) together may form a                 group selected from ═O, ═S, ═CR^(b)R^(c), ═NR^(c),                 ═NOR^(c), and ═NNR^(c)R^(c);                 -   R^(aa) is each independently halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl,                     C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy or C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy;         -   R^(b) is each independently hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl,             C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy or a three-             to six-membered saturated, or partially unsaturated or             aromatic carbo- or heterocyclic ring, which may contain 1 to             3 heteroatoms selected from N(R^(c))_(p), O, and S, wherein             S may be oxidized and which carbo- or heterocyclic ring may             be partially or fully substituted by R^(aa);         -   R^(c) is each independently hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl,             C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyl, C₁-C₆ cycloalkyl, or a             three- to six-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or             aromatic carbo- or heterocyclic ring, which may contain 1 to             3 heteroatoms selected from N(R^(aa))_(p), O and S, wherein             S may be oxidized and wherein the carbo- or heterocyclic             ring may be partially or fully substituted by R^(aa);         -   wherein two geminally bound groups R^(b)R^(b), R^(c)R^(b) or             R^(c)R^(c) together with the atom to which they are bound,             may form a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially             unsaturated or aromatic carbo- or heterocyclic ring, which             may contain 1 to 2 heteroatoms or heteroatoms groups             selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂ and wherein the carbo-             or heterocyclic ring may be partially or fully substituted             by R³;         -   R^(d) is each independently hydrogen, phenyl, C₁-C₆-alkyl,             C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, or             C₁-C₆-alkoxyalkyl, wherein the above mentioned groups may be             substituted by one or more halogen;         -   R^(e) is each independently, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl,             C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyl, C₁-C₆ cycloalkyl, or a three- to             six-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic             carbo- or heterocyclic ring, which may contain 1 to 3             heteroatoms selected from N(R^(aa))_(p), O and S, wherein S             may be oxidized and wherein the carbo- or heterocyclic ring             may be partially or fully substituted by R^(aa);         -   n is 0, 1 or 2;         -   m is 0, 1, or 2;         -   p is 0 or 1;     -   R² is H, halogen, CN, C₁-C₈ alkyl, C₂-C₈ alkenyl, C₂-C₈ alkynyl,         C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkyl, C₄-C₁₀ alkylcycloalkyl, C₄-C₁₀         cycloalkylalkyl, C₆-C₁₄ cycloalkylcycloalkyl, C₅-C₁₀         alkylcycloalkylalkyl, or C₃-C₆ cycloalkenyl, wherein the         aforementioned groups may be unsubstituted, partially, or fully         substituted with R^(2a), or R² may form a carbo- or heterocyclic         three- to ten-membered ring or a seven- to eleven-membered rings         system, which ring or ring system may be saturated, partially         unsaturated, or aromatic, and which ring or ring system may         contain 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from N(R^(c))_(p), O, and S,         wherein S may be oxidized, and wherein the carbo- or         heterocyclic ring or rings system may be unsubstituted,         partially, or fully substituted by R^(2a);         -   with the proviso that if R² is halogen or CN, then Z is a             direct bond;         -   R^(2a) is each independently halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl,             C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₂-C₄-alkenyl,             C₂-C₄-alkynyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, CN, OR^(c), NR^(b)R^(c),             NO₂, C(═O)(O)_(p)R^(c), OC(═O)(O)_(p)R^(e),             C(═O)NR^(b)R^(c), OC(═O)NR^(b)R^(e),             NR^(b)C(═O)(O)_(p)R^(e), NR^(b)C(═O)NR^(b)R^(c),             C(═S)NR^(b)R^(c), S(O)_(m)R^(b), SO₂NR^(b)R^(c), OSO₂R^(c),             OSO₂NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)SO₂R^(c), NR^(b)SO₂NR^(b)R^(c), SF₅,             OCN, SCN, Si(R^(d))₃, C(═N(O)_(p)R^(b)) R^(b),             C(═NNR^(b)R^(c))R^(b), C(═NN(C(═O)O_(p)R^(c))R^(c))R^(b),             ON═CR^(b)R^(c), ONR^(b)R^(c), S(═O)_(o)(═NR^(b))_(q)R^(c),             SO₂NR^(b)(═O)NR^(b)R^(c), P(═X²)R^(b)R^(c),             OP(═X²)(O_(p)R^(c))R^(b), OP(═X²)(OR^(c))₂, N═CR^(b)R^(c),             NR^(b)N═CR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)NR^(b)R^(c),             NR^(b)C(═S)NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)C(═NR^(b))NR^(b)R^(c),             NR^(b)NR^(b)C(═X²)NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)NR^(b)SO₂NR^(b)R^(c),             N═S(═O)_(p)R^(c)R^(c), or a three- to six-membered             saturated, or partially unsaturated or aromatic carbo- or             heterocyclic ring, which may contain 1 to 3 heteroatoms             selected from N—(R^(c))_(p), O, and S, wherein S may be             oxidized, and wherein the aforementioned groups and the             carbo- or heterocyclic ring may be partially or fully             substituted by R^(2aa); or             -   two geminally bound groups R^(2a) together may form a                 group selected from ═O, ═S, ═CR^(b)R^(c), ═NR^(c),                 ═NOR^(c), and ═NNR^(c)R^(c);             -   R^(2aa) is each independently halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl,                 C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₂-C₄-alkenyl,                 C₂-C₄-alkynyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, CN, OR^(c),                 NR^(b)R^(c), NO₂, C(═O)(O)_(p)R^(c), OC(═O)(O)_(p)R^(e),                 C(═O)NR^(b)R^(c), OC(═O)NR^(b)R^(e),                 NR^(b)C(═O)(O)_(p)R^(e), NR^(b)C(═O)NR^(b)R^(c),                 C(═S)NR^(b)R^(c), S(O)_(m)R^(b), SO₂NR^(b)R^(c),                 OSO₂R^(c), OSO₂NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)SO₂R^(c),                 NR^(b)SO₂NR^(b)R^(c), SF₅, OCN, SCN, Si(R^(d))₃,                 C(═N(O)_(p)R^(b))R^(b), C(═NNR^(b)R^(c))R^(b),                 C(═NN(C(═O)O_(p)R^(c))R^(b))R^(b), ON═CR^(b)R^(c),                 ONR^(b)R^(c), S(═O)_(o)(═NR^(b))_(q)R^(c),                 SO₂NR^(b)(═O)NR^(b)R^(c), P(═X²)R^(b)R^(c),                 OP(═X²)(O_(p)R^(c))R^(b), OP(═X²)(OR^(c))₂,                 N═CR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)N═CR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)NR^(b)R^(c),                 NR^(b)C(═S)NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)C(═NR^(b))NR^(b)R^(c),                 NR^(b)NR^(b)C(═X²)NR^(b)R^(c),                 NR^(b)NR^(b)SO₂NR^(b)R^(c), or N═S(═O)_(p)R^(c)R^(c), or             -   two geminally bound groups R^(2aa) together may form a                 group selected from ═O, ═S, ═CR^(b)R^(c), ═NR^(c),                 ═NOR^(c), and ═NNR^(c)R^(c);             -   X² is independently O or S;         -   R³ is each independently halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, alkoxy,             C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₂-C₄-alkenyl, C₂-C₄-alkynyl,             C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, CN, OR^(c), NR^(b)R^(c), NO₂,             C(═O)(O)_(p)R^(c), OC(═O)(O)_(p)R^(e), C(═O)NR^(b)R^(c),             OC(═O)NR^(b)R^(e), NR^(b)C(═O)(O)_(p)R^(e),             NR^(b)C(═O)NR^(b)R^(c), C(═S)NR^(b)R^(c), S(O)_(m)R^(b),             SO₂NR^(b)R^(c), OSO₂R^(c), OSO₂NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)SO₂R^(c),             NR^(b)SO₂NR^(b)R^(c), SF₅, OCN, SCN, Si(R^(d))₃,             C(═N(O)_(p)R^(b))R^(b), C(═NNR^(b)R^(c))R^(b),             C(═NN(C(═O)O_(p)R^(c))R^(b))R^(b), ON═CR^(b)R^(c),             ONR^(b)R^(c), S(═O)_(o)(═NR^(b))_(q)R^(c),             SO₂NR^(b)(═O)NR^(b)R^(c), P(═X²)R^(b)R^(c),             OP(═X²)(O_(p)R^(c))R^(b), OP(═X²)(OR^(c))₂, N═CR^(b)R^(c),             NR^(b)N═CR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)NR^(b)R^(c),             NR^(b)C(═S)NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)C(═NR^(b))NR^(b)R^(c),             NR^(b)NR^(b)C(═X²)NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)NR^(b)SO₂NR^(b)R^(c),             or N═S(═O)_(p)R^(c)R^(c), or             -   two geminally bound groups R³ together may form a group                 selected from ═O, ═S, ═CR^(b)R^(c), ═NR^(c), ═NOR^(c),                 and ═NNR^(c)R^(c);                 and/or stereoisomer or agriculturally or veterinary                 acceptable salts or tautomers or N-oxides thereof.

The substituted pyrimidinium compounds of the formula (I), and their agriculturally acceptable salts are highly active against animal pest, i.e. harmful arthropodes and nematodes, especially against difficult to control insects and acaridae.

Moreover, the present invention relates to and includes the following embodiments:

-   -   compositions comprising at least one compound of formula (I) as         defined above;     -   agricultural and veterinary compositions comprising an amount of         at least one compound of formula (I) or an enantiomer,         diasteromer or salt thereof as defined above;     -   a method for combating invertebrate pests, infestation, or         infection by invertebrate pests, which method comprises         contacting said pest or its food supply, habitat or breeding         grounds with a pesticidally effective amount of at least one         compound of formula (I) as defined above or a composition         thereof;     -   a method for controlling invertebrate pests, infestation, or         infection by invertebrate pests, which method comprises         contacting said pest or its food supply, habitat or breeding         grounds with a pesticidally effective amount of at least one         compound of formula (I) as defined above or a composition         comprising at least one compound of formula (I);     -   a method for preventing or protecting against invertebrate pests         comprising contacting the invertebrate pests, or their food         supply, habitat or breeding grounds with a substituted         pyrimidinium compounds of the general formula (I) as defined         above or a composition comprising at least one compound of         formula (I) as defined above or a composition comprising at         least one compound of formula (I);     -   a method for protecting crops, plants, plant propagation         material and/or growing plants from attack or infestation by         invertebrate pests comprising contacting or treating the crops,         plants, plant propagation material and growing plants, or soil,         material, surface, space, area or water in which the crops,         plants, plant propagation material is stored or the plant is         growing, with a pesticidally effective amount of at least one         compound of formula (I) as defined above or a composition         comprising at least one compound of formula (I);     -   a non-therapeutic method for treating animals infested or         infected by parasites or preventing animals of getting infected         or infested by parasites or protecting animals against         infestation or infection by parasites which comprises orally,         topically or parenterally administering or applying to the         animals a parasiticidally effective amount of a compound of         formula (I) as defined above or a composition comprising at         least one compound of formula (I);     -   a method for treating, controlling, preventing or protecting         animals against infestation or infection by parasites by         administering or applying orally, topically or parenterally to         the animals a substituted pyrimidinium compound of the general         formula (I) as defined above or a composition comprising at         least one compound of formula (I);     -   seed comprising a compound of formula (I) as defined above, in         an amount of from 0.1 g to 10 kg per 100 kg of seed;     -   the use of the compounds of formula (I) as defined above for         protecting growing plants or plant propagation material from         attack or infestation by invertebrate pests;     -   the use of compounds of formula (I) or the enantiomers,         diastereomers or veterinary acceptable salts thereof for         combating parasites in and on animals;     -   a process for the preparation of a veterinary composition for         treating, controlling, preventing or protecting animals against         infestation or infection by parasites which comprises adding a         parasiticidally effective amount of an compound of formula (I)         or the enantiomers, diastereomers and/or veterinary acceptable         salt thereof to a carrier composition suitable for veterinary         use;     -   the use of a compound of formula (I) or the enantiomers,         diastereomers and/or veterinary acceptable salt thereof for the         preparation of a medicament for treating, controlling,         preventing or protecting animals against infestation or         infection by parasites.

All the compounds of the present invention including if applicable their stereoisomers, their tautomers, their salts or their N-oxides as well as compositions thereof are particularly useful for controlling invertebrate pests, in particular for controlling arthropods and nematodes and especially insects. Therefore, the invention relates to the use of a compound as disclosed in the present invention, for combating or controlling invertebrate pests, in particular invertebrate pests of the group of insects, arachnids or nematodes.

The term “compound(s) according to the invention” or “compound(s) of formula (I)” as used in the present invention refers to and comprises the compound(s) as defined herein and/or stereoisomer(s), salt(s), tautomer(s) or N-oxide(s) thereof. The term “compound(s) of the present invention” is to be understood as equivalent to the term “compound(s) according to the invention”, therefore also comprising stereoisomer(s), salt(s), tautomer(s) or N-oxide(s) of compounds of formula (I).

The term “composition(s) according to the invention” or “composition(s) of the present invention” encompasses composition(s) comprising at least one compound of formula (I) according to the invention as defined above, therefore also including a stereoisomer, an agriculturally or veterinary acceptable salt, tautomer or an N-oxide of the compounds of formula (I).

The substituted pyrimidinium compounds of formula (I) according to the present invention have not yet been described for pesticidal uses or pesticidal applications in agricultural industry or veterinary practice.

Heterocyclic substituted pyridinium derivatives and their use as pesticides have been disclosed in WO 2009/099929 as well as in WO 2011/017347 and in WO 2011/017351.

However, the particularly substituted pyrimidinium compounds of formula (I) with the characteristic substitution pattern as defined in the present invention have not yet been described.

Depending on the substitution pattern, the compounds of the formula (I) may have one or more centers of chirality, in which case they are present as mixtures of enantiomers or diastereomers. The invention provides both the single pure enantiomers or pure diastereomers of the compounds of formula (I), and their mixtures and the use according to the invention of the pure enantiomers or pure diastereomers of the compound of formula (I) or its mixtures. Suitable compounds of the formula (I) also include all possible geometrical stereoisomers (cis/trans isomers) and mixtures thereof. Cis/trans isomers may be present with respect to an alkene, carbon-nitrogen double-bond or amide group. The term “stereoisomer(s)” encompasses both optical isomers, such as enantiomers or diastereomers, the latter existing due to more than one center of chirality in the molecule, as well as geometrical isomers (cis/trans isomers). The present invention relates to every possible stereoisomer of the compounds of formula (I), i.e. to single enantiomers or diastereomers, as well as to mixtures thereof.

Depending on the substitution pattern, the compounds of the formula (I) may be present in the form of their tautomers. Hence the invention also relates to the tautomers of the formula (I) and the stereoisomers, salts, tautomers and N-oxides of said tautomers. The compounds of the present invention may be amorphous or may exist in one or more different crystalline states (polymorphs) or modifications which may have a different macroscopic properties such as stability or show different biological properties such as activities. The present invention includes both amorphous and crystalline compounds of the formula (I), mixtures of different crystalline states or modifications of the respective compound I, as well as amorphous or crystalline salts thereof.

Salts of the compounds of the formula (I) are preferably agriculturally and/or veterinary acceptable salts. They can be formed in a customary method, e.g. by reacting the compound with an acid of the anion in question if the compound of formula (I) has a basic functionality or by reacting an acidic compound of formula (I) with a suitable base.

Suitable agriculturally or veterinary useful salts are especially the salts of those cations or the acid addition salts of those acids whose cations and anions, respectively, do not have any adverse effect on the action of the compounds according to the present invention. Suitable cations are in particular the ions of the alkali metals, preferably lithium, sodium and potassium, of the alkaline earth metals, preferably calcium, magnesium and barium, and of the transition metals, preferably manganese, copper, zinc and iron, and also ammonium (NH₄ ⁺) and substituted ammonium in which one to four of the hydrogen atoms are replaced by C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-hydroxyalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, hydroxy-C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, phenyl or benzyl. Examples of substituted ammonium ions comprise methylammonium, isopropylammonium, dimethylammonium, diisopropylammonium, trimethylammonium, tetramethylammonium, tetraethylammonium, tetrabutylammonium, 2-hydroxyethylammonium, 2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethyl-ammonium, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium, benzyltrimethylammonium and benzyltriethylammonium, furthermore phosphonium ions, sulfonium ions, preferably tri(C₁-C₄-alkyl)sulfonium, and sulfoxonium ions, preferably tri(C₁-C₄-alkyl)sulfoxonium.

Anions of useful acid addition salts are primarily chloride, bromide, fluoride, hydrogen sulfate, sulfate, dihydrogen phosphate, hydrogen phosphate, phosphate, nitrate, hydrogen carbonate, carbonate, hexafluorosilicate, hexafluorophosphate, benzoate, and the anions of C₁-C₄-alkanoic acids, preferably formate, acetate, propionate and butyrate. They can be formed by reacting the compounds of the formulae I with an acid of the corresponding anion, preferably of hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid or nitric acid.

The term “N-oxide” includes any compound of the present invention which has at least one tertiary nitrogen atom that is oxidized to an N-oxide moiety.

The organic moieties groups mentioned in the above definitions of the variables are—like the term halogen—collective terms for individual listings of the individual group members. The prefix C_(n)-C_(m) indicates in each case the possible number of carbon atoms in the group.

“Halogen” will be taken to mean fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo.

The term “partially or fully halogenated” will be taken to mean that 1 or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 or all of the hydrogen atoms of a given radical have been replaced by a halogen atom, in particular by fluorine or chlorine.

The term “C_(n)-C_(m)-alkyl” as used herein (and also in C_(n)-C_(m)-alkylamino, di-C_(n)-C_(m)-alkylamino, C_(n)-C_(m)-alkylaminocarbonyl, di-(C_(n)-C_(m)-alkylamino)carbonyl, C_(n)-C_(m)-alkylthio, C_(n)-C_(m)-alkylsulfinyl and C_(n)-C_(m)-alkylsulfonyl) refers to a branched or unbranched saturated hydrocarbon group having n to m, e.g. 1 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms, for example methyl, ethyl, propyl, 1-methylethyl, butyl, 1-methylpropyl, 2-methylpropyl, 1,1-dimethylethyl, pentyl, 1-methylbutyl, 2-methylbutyl, 3-methylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, 1-ethylpropyl, hexyl, 1,1-dimethylpropyl, 1,2-dimethylpropyl, 1-methylpentyl, 2-methylpentyl, 3-methylpentyl, 4-methylpentyl, 1,1-dimethylbutyl, 1,2-dimethylbutyl, 1,3-dimethylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, 2,3-dimethylbutyl, 3,3-dimethylbutyl, 1-ethylbutyl, 2-ethylbutyl, 1,1,2-trimethylpropyl, 1,2,2-trimethylpropyl, 1-ethyl-1-methylpropyl, 1-ethyl-2-methylpropyl, heptyl, octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, nonyl and decyl and their isomers. C₁-C₄-alkyl means for example methyl, ethyl, propyl, 1-methylethyl, butyl, 1-methylpropyl, 2-methylpropyl or 1,1-dimethylethyl.

The term “C_(n)-C_(m)-haloalkyl” as used herein (and also in C_(n)-C_(m)-haloalkylsulfinyl and C_(n)-C_(m)-haloalkylsulfonyl) refers to a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having n to m carbon atoms, e.g. 1 to 10 in particular 1 to 6 carbon atoms (as mentioned above), where some or all of the hydrogen atoms in these groups may be replaced by halogen atoms as mentioned above, for example C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, such as chloromethyl, bromomethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chlorofluoromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, chlorodifluoromethyl, 1-chloroethyl, 1-bromoethyl, 1-fluoroethyl, 2-fluoroethyl, 2,2-difluoroethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 2-chloro-2-fluoroethyl, 2-chloro-2,2-difluoroethyl, 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethyl, pentafluoroethyl and the like. The term C₁-C₁₀-haloalkyl in particular comprises C₁-C₂-fluoroalkyl, which is synonym with methyl or ethyl, wherein 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 hydrogen atoms are substituted by fluorine atoms, such as fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, 1-fluoroethyl, 2-fluoroethyl, 2,2-difluoroethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl and pentafluoromethyl.

Similarly, “C_(n)-C_(m)-alkoxy” and “C_(n)-C_(m)-alkylthio” (or C_(n)-C_(m)-alkylsulfenyl, respectively) refer to straight-chain or branched alkyl groups having n to m carbon atoms, e.g. 1 to 10, in particular 1 to 6 or 1 to 4 carbon atoms (as mentioned above) bonded through oxygen (or sulfur linkages, respectively) at any bond in the alkyl group. Examples include C₁-C₄-alkoxy such as methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, sec-butoxy, isobutoxy and tert-butoxy, further C₁-C₄-alkylthio such as methylthio, ethylthio, propylthio, isopropylthio, and n-butylthio.

Accordingly, the terms “C_(n)-C_(m)-haloalkoxy” and “C_(n)-C_(m)-haloalkylthio” (or C_(n)-C_(m)-haloalkylsulfenyl, respectively) refer to straight-chain or branched alkyl groups having n to m carbon atoms, e.g. 1 to 10, in particular 1 to 6 or 1 to 4 carbon atoms (as mentioned above) bonded through oxygen or sulfur linkages, respectively, at any bond in the alkyl group, where some or all of the hydrogen atoms in these groups may be replaced by halogen atoms as mentioned above, for example C₁-C₂-haloalkoxy, such as chloromethoxy, bromomethoxy, dichloromethoxy, trichloromethoxy, fluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, chlorofluoromethoxy, dichlorofluoromethoxy, chlorodifluoromethoxy, 1-chloroethoxy, 1-bromoethoxy, 1-fluoroethoxy, 2-fluoroethoxy, 2,2-difluoroethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, 2-chloro-2-fluoroethoxy, 2-chloro-2,2-difluoroethoxy, 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethoxy, 2,2,2-trichloroethoxy and pentafluoroethoxy, further C₁-C₂-haloalkylthio, such as chloromethylthio, bromomethylthio, dichloromethylthio, trichloromethylthio, fluoromethylthio, difluoromethylthio, trifluoromethylthio, chlorofluoromethylthio, dichlorofluoromethylthio, chlorodifluoromethylthio, 1-chloroethylthio, 1-bromoethylthio, 1-fluoroethylthio, 2-fluoroethylthio, 2,2-difluoroethylthio, 2,2,2-trifluoroethylthio, 2-chloro-2-fluoroethylthio, 2-chloro-2,2-difluoroethylthio, 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethylthio, 2,2,2-trichloroethylthio and pentafluoroethylthio and the like. Similarly the terms C₁-C₂-fluoroalkoxy and C₁-C₂-fluoroalkylthio refer to C₁-C₂-fluoroalkyl which is bound to the remainder of the molecule via an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom, respectively.

The term “C₂-C_(m)-alkenyl” as used herein intends a branched or unbranched unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 2 to m, e.g. 2 to 10 or 2 to 6 carbon atoms and a double bond in any position, such as ethenyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 1-methyl-ethenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, 1-methyl-1-propenyl, 2-methyl-1-propenyl, 1-methyl-2-propenyl, 2-methyl-2-propenyl, 1-pentenyl, 2-pentenyl, 3-pentenyl, 4-pentenyl, 1-methyl-1-butenyl, 2-methyl-1-butenyl, 3-methyl-1-butenyl, 1-methyl-2-butenyl, 2-methyl-2-butenyl, 3-methyl-2-butenyl, 1-methyl-3-butenyl, 2-methyl-3-butenyl, 3-methyl-3-butenyl, 1,1-dimethyl-2-propenyl, 1,2-dimethyl-1-propenyl, 1,2-dimethyl-2-propenyl, 1-ethyl-1-propenyl, 1-ethyl-2-propenyl, 1-hexenyl, 2-hexenyl, 3-hexenyl, 4-hexenyl, 5-hexenyl, 1-methyl-1-pentenyl, 2-methyl-1-pentenyl, 3-methyl-1-pentenyl, 4-methyl-1-pentenyl, 1-methyl-2-pentenyl, 2-methyl-2-pentenyl, 3-methyl-2-pentenyl, 4-methyl-2-pentenyl, 1-methyl-3-pentenyl, 2-methyl-3-pentenyl, 3-methyl-3-pentenyl, 4-methyl-3-pentenyl, 1-methyl-4-pentenyl, 2-methyl-4-pentenyl, 3-methyl-4-pentenyl, 4-methyl-4-pentenyl, 1,1-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 1,1-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 1,2-dimethyl-1-butenyl, 1,2-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 1,2-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 1,3-dimethyl-1-butenyl, 1,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 1,3-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 2,2-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 2,3-dimethyl-1-butenyl, 2,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 2,3-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 3,3-dimethyl-1-butenyl, 3,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 1-ethyl-1-butenyl, 1-ethyl-2-butenyl, 1-ethyl-3-butenyl, 2-ethyl-1-butenyl, 2-ethyl-2-butenyl, 2-ethyl-3-butenyl, 1,1,2-trimethyl-2-propenyl, 1-ethyl-1-methyl-2-propenyl, 1-ethyl-2-methyl-1-propenyl and 1-ethyl-2-methyl-2-propenyl.

The term “C₂-C_(m)-alkynyl” as used herein refers to a branched or unbranched unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 2 to m, e.g. 2 to 10 or 2 to 6 carbon atoms and containing at least one triple bond, such as ethynyl, propynyl, 1-butynyl, 2-butynyl, and the like.

The term “C_(n)-C_(m)-alkoxy-C_(n)-C_(m)-alkyl” as used herein refers to alkyl having n to m carbon atoms, e.g. like specific examples mentioned above, wherein one hydrogen atom of the alkyl radical is replaced by an C_(n)-C_(m)-alkoxy group; wherein the value of n and m of the alkoxy group are independently chosen from that of the alkyl group.

The suffix “-carbonyl” in a group or “C(═O)” denotes in each case that the group is bound to the remainder of the molecule via a carbonyl C═O group. This is the case e.g. in alkylcarbonyl, haloalkylcarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, haloalkoxycarbonyl.

The term “aryl” as used herein refers to a mono-, bi- or tricyclic aromatic hydrocarbon radical such as phenyl or naphthyl, in particular phenyl (also referred as to C₆H₅ as substituent).

The term “ring system” denotes two or more directly connected rings.

The term “C₃-C_(m)-cycloalkyl” as used herein refers to a monocyclic ring of 3- to m-membered saturated cycloaliphatic radicals, e.g. cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl and cyclodecyl.

The term “alkylcycloalkyl” denotes as well as the term “alkyl which may be substituted by cycloalkyl” an alkyl group which is substituted by a cycloalkyl ring, wherein alkyl and cycloakyl are as herein defined.

The term “cycloalkylalkyl” denotes as well as the term “cycloalkyl which may be substituted by alkyl” a cycloalkyl ring which is substituted by an alkyl group, wherein alkyl and cycloakyl are as herein defined.

The term “alkylcycloalkylalkyl” denotes as well as the term “alkylcycloalkyl which may be substituted by alkyl” an alkylcycloalkyl group which is substituted by an alkyl, wherein alkyl and alkylcycloakyl are as herein defined.

The term “C₃-C_(m)-cycloalkenyl” as used herein refers to a monocyclic ring of 3- to m-membered partially unsaturated cycloaliphatic radicals.

The term “cycloalkylcycloalkyl” denotes as well as the term “cycloalkyl which may be substituted by cycloalkyl” a cycloalkyl substitution on another cycloalkyl ring, wherein each cycloalkyl ring independently has from 3 to 7 carbon atom ring members and the cycloalkyls are linked through one single bond or have one common carbon atom. Examples of cycloalkylcycloalkyl include cyclopropylcyclopropyl (e.g. 1,1′-bicyclopropyl-2-yl), cyclohexylcyclohexyl wherein the two rings are linked through one single common carbon atom (e.g. 1,1′-bicyclohexyl-2-yl), cyclohexylcyclopentyl wherein the two rings are linked through one single bond (e.g. 4-cyclopentylcyclohexyl) and their different stereoisomers such as (1R,2S)-1,1′-bicyclopropyl-2-yl and (1R,2R)-1,1′-bicyclopropyl-2-yl.

The term “3- to 6-membered carbocyclic ring” as used herein refers to cyclopropane, cyclobutane, cyclopentane and cyclohexane rings.

The term “3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring which may contain 1, 2, 3 or 4 heteroatoms” or “containing heteroatom groups”, wherein those heteroatom(s) (group(s)) are selected from N (N-substituted groups), O and S (S-substituted groups) as used herein refers to monocyclic radicals, the monocyclic radicals being saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic (completely unsaturated). The heterocyclic radical may be attached to the remainder of the molecule via a carbon ring member or via a nitrogen ring member.

Examples of 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated heterocyclyl or heterocyclic rings include: oxiranyl, aziridinyl, azetidinyl, 2-tetrahydrofuranyl, 3-tetrahydrofuranyl, 2-tetrahydrothienyl, 3-tetrahydrothienyl, 2-pyrrolidinyl, 3-pyrrolidinyl, 3-pyrazolidinyl, 4-pyrazolidinyl, 5-pyrazolidinyl, 2-imidazolidinyl, 4-imidazolidinyl, 2-oxazolidinyl, 4-oxazolidinyl, 5-oxazolidinyl, 3-isoxazolidinyl, 4-isoxazolidinyl, 5-isoxazolidinyl, 2-thiazolidinyl, 4-thiazolidinyl, 5-thiazolidinyl, 3-isothiazolidinyl, 4-isothiazolidinyl, 5-isothiazolidinyl, 1,2,4-oxadiazolidin-3-yl, 1,2,4-oxadiazolidin 5 yl, 1,2,4-thiadiazolidin-3-yl, 1,2,4-thiadiazolidin-5-yl, 1,2,4-triazolidin-3-yl,-1,3,4-oxadiazolidin-2-yl, 1,3,4-thiadiazolidin-2-yl, 1,3,4-triazolidin-2-yl, 2-tetrahydropyranyl, 4-tetrahydropyranyl, 1,3-dioxan-5-yl, 1,4-dioxan-2-yl, 2-piperidinyl, 3-piperidinyl, 4-piperidinyl, 3-hexahydropyridazinyl, 4-hexahydropyridazinyl, 2-hexahydropyrimidinyl, 4-hexahydropyrimidinyl, 5-hexahydropyrimidinyl, 2-piperazinyl, 1,3,5-hexahydrotriazin-2-yl and 1,2,4-hexahydrotriazin-3-yl, 2-morpholinyl, 3-morpholinyl, 2-thiomorpholinyl, 3-thiomorpholinyl, 1-oxothiomorpholin-2-yl, 1-oxothiomorpholin-3-yl, 1,1-dioxothiomorpholin-2-yl, 1,1-dioxothiomorpholin-3-yl, hexahydroazepin-1-, -2-, -3- or -4-yl, hexahydrooxepinyl, hexahydro-1,3-diazepinyl, hexahydro-1,4-diazepinyl, hexahydro-1,3-oxazepinyl, hexahydro-1,4-oxazepinyl, hexahydro-1,3-dioxepinyl, hexahydro-1,4-dioxepinyl and the like.

Examples of 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered partially unsaturated heterocyclyl or heterocyclic rings include: 2,3-dihydrofur-2-yl, 2,3-dihydrofur-3-yl, 2,4-dihydrofur-2-yl, 2,4-dihydrofur-3-yl, 2,3-dihydrothien-2-yl, 2,3-dihydrothien-3-yl, 2,4-dihydrothien-2-yl, 2,4-dihydrothien-3-yl, 2-pyrrolin-2-yl, 2-pyrrolin-3-yl, 3-pyrrolin-2-yl, 3-pyrrolin-3-yl, 2-isoxazolin-3-yl, 3-isoxazolin-3-yl, 4-isoxazolin 3 yl, 2-isoxazolin-4-yl, 3-isoxazolin-4-yl, 4-isoxazolin-4-yl, 2-isoxazolin-5-yl, 3-isoxazolin-5-yl, 4-isoxazolin-5-yl, 2-isothiazolin-3-yl, 3-isothiazolin-3-yl, 4-isothiazolin-3-yl, 2-isothiazolin-4-yl, 3-isothiazolin-4-yl, 4-isothiazolin-4-yl, 2-isothiazolin-5-yl, 3-isothiazolin-5-yl, 4-isothiazolin-5-yl, 2,3 dihydropyrazol-1-yl, 2,3-dihydropyrazol-2-yl, 2,3-dihydropyrazol-3-yl, 2,3-dihydropyrazol-4-yl, 2,3-dihydropyrazol-5-yl, 3,4-dihydropyrazol-1-yl, 3,4-dihydropyrazol-3-yl, 3,4-dihydropyrazol-4-yl, 3,4-dihydropyrazol-5-yl, 4,5-dihydropyrazol-1-yl, 4,5-dihydropyrazol-3-yl, 4,5-dihydropyrazol-4-yl, 4,5-dihydropyrazol-5-yl, 2,3-dihydrooxazol-2-yl, 2,3-dihydrooxazol-3-yl, 2,3-dihydrooxazol-4-yl, 2,3-dihydrooxazol-5-yl, 3,4-dihydrooxazol-2-yl, 3,4-dihydrooxazol-3-yl, 3,4-dihydrooxazol-4-yl, 3,4-dihydrooxazol-5-yl, 3,4-dihydrooxazol-2-yl, 3,4-dihydrooxazol-3-yl, 3,4-dihydrooxazol-4-yl, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-di- or tetrahydropyridinyl, 3-di- or tetrahydropyridazinyl, 4-di- or tetrahydropyridazinyl, 2-di- or tetrahydropyrimidinyl, 4-di- or tetrahydropyrimidinyl, 5-di- or tetrahydropyrimidinyl, di- or tetrahydropyrazinyl, 1,3,5-di- or tetrahydrotriazin-2-yl, 1,2,4-di- or tetrahydrotriazin-3-yl, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro[1H]azepin-1-, -2-, -3-, -4-, -5-, -6- or -7-yl, 3,4,5,6-tetrahydro[2H]azepin-2-, -3-, -4-, -5-, -6- or -7-yl, 2,3,4,7 tetrahydro[1H]azepin-1-, -2-, -3-, -4-, -5-, -6- or -7-yl, 2,3,6,7 tetrahydro[1H]azepin-1-, -2-, -3-, -4-, -5-, -6- or -7-yl, tetrahydrooxepinyl, such as 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro[1H]oxepin-2-, -3-, -4-, -5-, -6- or -7-yl, 2,3,4,7 tetrahydro[1H]oxepin-2-, -3-, -4-, -5-, -6- or -7-yl, 2,3,6,7 tetrahydro[1H]oxepin-2-, -3-, -4-, -5-, -6- or -7-yl, tetrahydro-1,3-diazepinyl, tetrahydro-1,4-diazepinyl, tetrahydro-1,3-oxazepinyl, tetrahydro-1,4-oxazepinyl, tetrahydro-1,3-dioxepinyl and tetrahydro-1,4-dioxepinyl.

Examples of 5- or 6-membered aromatic heterocyclic (hetaryl) or heteroaromatic rings are: 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyrrolyl, 3-pyrrolyl, 3-pyrazolyl, 4-pyrazolyl, 5-pyrazolyl, 2-oxazolyl, 4-oxazolyl, 5-oxazolyl, 2-thiazolyl, 4-thiazolyl, 5-thiazolyl, 2-imidazolyl, 4-imidazolyl, 1,3,4-triazol-2-yl, 2-pyridinyl, 3-pyridinyl, 4-pyridinyl, 3-pyridazinyl, 4-pyridazinyl, 2-pyrimidinyl, 4-pyrimidinyl, 5-pyrimidinyl and 2-pyrazinyl.

A “C₂-C_(m)-alkylene” is divalent branched or preferably unbranched saturated aliphatic chain having 2 to m, e.g. 2 to 7 carbon atoms, for example CH₂CH₂, —CH(CH₃)—, CH₂CH₂CH₂, CH(CH₃)CH₂, CH₂CH(CH₃), CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂, CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂, CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂, and CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂.

Embodiments and preferred compounds of the present invention for use in pesticidal methods and for insecticidal application purposes are outlined in the following paragraphs.

The remarks made below concerning preferred embodiments of the variables (substituents) of the compounds according to the invention, especially with respect to their substituents X, Y, Z, X¹, X², Y¹, A, R¹, R^(a), R^(aa), R^(b), R^(c), R^(d), R^(e), R², R^(2a), R^(2aa), R³, m, n, p and Het are valid both on their own and, in particular, in every possible combination with each other and where applicable, the uses, the methods and the compositions according to the invention.

In a particular embodiment, the variables of the compounds of formula (I) have the following meanings, these meanings, both on their own and in combination with one another, being particular embodiments of the compounds of the formula (I):

In one preferred embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), X is O. These compounds correspond to the compounds of formula (I.1).

In a further embodiment of the compounds of the formula (I), X is S. These compounds correspond to the compounds of formula (I.2).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Y is S. These compounds correspond to the compounds of formula (I.A).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Y is O. These compounds correspond to the compounds of formula (I.B).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Y is S and X is O. These compounds correspond to compounds of formula I.1.A:

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Y is S and X is S. These compounds correspond to compounds of formula I.2.A.

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Y is O and X is O. These compounds correspond to compounds of formula I.1.B.

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Y is O and X is S. These compounds correspond to compounds of formula I.2.B.

Within these embodiments, compound of formula I.1.B are preferred.

In an embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Z is a direct bond or C(R^(a)R^(aa))O.

In a further embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Z is a direct bond.

In an embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Z is O, S(O)_(m), NR^(b), C(═X¹), C(═X¹)Y¹, or Y¹C(═X¹). In a further embodiment, Z is O, S(O)_(m), or NR^(b). In another embodiment, Z is C(═X¹), C(═X¹)Y¹, or Y¹C(═X¹).

In an embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), X¹ is O.

In an embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), X¹ is S.

In an embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), X¹ is NR^(b).

In an embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Y¹ is O.

In an embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Y¹ is S.

In an embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Y¹ is NR^(c).

In an embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), A is CH or N, and wherein the nitrogen of the pyrimidinium ring taken together with the contiguous linking carbon atom and A as depicted in formula (I), form a five or six membered ring, wherein each remaining ring member is selected from carbon atoms and up to one heteroatoms independently selected from O, S, and N(R^(c))_(p), wherein each ring may be substituted with up to one R^(a), wherein R^(a) has the meaning as hereunder described.

In a further embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), A is CH or N, and wherein the nitrogen of the pyrimidinium ring taken together with the contiguous linking carbon atom and A as depicted in formula (I), form a five membered ring, wherein each remaining ring member is selected from carbon atoms and up to one heteroatoms independently selected from O, S, and N(R^(c))_(p).

In a further embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), A is CH or N, and wherein the nitrogen of the pyrimidinium ring taken together with the contiguous linking carbon atom and A as depicted in formula (I), form a six membered ring, wherein each remaining ring member is selected from carbon atoms and up to one heteroatoms independently selected from O, S, and N(R^(c))_(p).

In a further embodiment, preferred are compounds of formula (I), wherein A is CH, and wherein the nitrogen of the pyrimidinium ring taken together with the contiguous linking carbon atom and A as depicted in formula (I), form a five or six membered ring resulting in the compounds of formula (II) selected from the group of compounds of formulae II-1 to II-15:

In a further embodiment, compounds of formula (I) are selected from the group of compounds of formulae II-1, II-2, II-3, II-4, II-5, II-6, II-7 and II-15.

In a further embodiment, compounds of formula (I) are selected from the group of compounds of formulae II-1, II-2, II-3, II-4, II-5, II-6 and II-7.

In a preferred embodiment, the compounds of formula (I) is a compound of formula II-1.

In an other embodiment, the compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula II-15.

In an other embodiment, the compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula II-16.

In an embodiment, R¹ is hydrogen, C₁-C₈-alkyl, C₂-C₈-alkenyl, C₂-C₈-alkynyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₄-C₁₀-cycloalkenyl or C₅-C₁₁-cycloalkylcycloalkyl, wherein the C-atoms of the aforementioned groups may be unsubstituted, or partially or fully substituted by R^(a), wherein R^(a) has the meaning as hereunder described.

In another embodiment, R¹ is a three- to ten-membered saturated, or partially saturated or heterocyclic ring system, which may contain 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N(R^(c))_(p), O, and S, wherein S may be oxidized and which heterocyclic ring may be unsubstituted or substituted by R^(a).

In a further embodiment, R¹ is hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₂-C₈-alkenyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl or C₅-C₁₁-cycloalkylcycloalkyl, wherein the C-atoms of the aforementioned groups may be unsubstituted, or partially or fully substituted by halogen.

In a further embodiment R¹ is C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₂-C₈-alkenyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, phenyl or benzyl, wherein the C-atoms of the aforementioned groups may be unsubstituted, or partially or fully substituted by R^(a), wherein R^(a) has the meaning as hereunder described.

In a further embodiment R¹ is C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl or phenyl, wherein the C-atoms of the aforementioned groups may be unsubstituted, or partially or fully substituted by halogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl.

In a further embodiment R¹ is C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₂-C₄-alkenyl, phenyl or benzyl, wherein the c-atoms of the aforementioned groups may be partially or fully substituted with halogen, preferably Cl or F.

In a further embodiment R¹ is C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl or phenyl, preferably CH₃, CH₂CH₃, CH(CH₃)₂, cyclopropyl or phenyl.

In another embodiment R¹ is C₁-C₃-alkyl, preferably CH₃, CH₂CH₃ or CH(CH₃)₂; particularly R¹ is CH₂CH₃.

In an embodiment, R² is hydrogen, halogen, CN, NO₂, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₅-C₆-cycloalkenyl, C₅-C₁₄-cycloalkylcycloalkyl or S(O)_(m)R^(b), wherein the C-atoms of the aforementioned groups may be unsubstituted, or partially or fully substituted by R^(2a).

In an embodiment, R² is hydrogen, halogen, CN, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₂-alkoxy-C₁-C₂-alkyl or C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, wherein the C-atoms of the aforementioned groups may be substituted by halogen or CN.

In an embodiment, R² is hydrogen, halogen, CN or C₁-C₄-alkyl which may be substituted by halogen.

In a further embodiment R² is CN.

In a further embodiment, R² is hydrogen or C₁-C₂-alkyl, particularly CH₃.

In a further embodiment, R² is C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, preferably C₁-C₂-haloalkyl, particularly halomethyl, such as CF₃ or CHF₂.

In another embodiment, R² is C₁-C₂-alkoxy-C₁-C₂-alkyl, preferably C₁-C₂-alkoxy-methyl, particularly CH₂OCH₃.

In another embodiment, R² is C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, preferably cyclopropyl which may be substituted, preferably by halogen or cyano.

In another embodiment, R² is C₂-C₆-alkyl, preferably C₂-C₄-alkyl, particularly CH₂CH₃ or C(CH₃)₃.

In another embodiment, R² is C₁-C₆-alkyl, preferably C₁-C₂-alkyl, particularly CH₃.

In another embodiment, R² is halogen, preferably Cl or F, particularly F.

In another embodiment, R² is a five- or six-membered carbo- or heterocyclic ring, which ring may be unsubstituted, partially, or fully substituted by R^(2a), and wherein R^(2a) is as hereunder defined or R^(2a) is preferably halogen, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, OR^(c), C(═O)OR^(c), C(═O)NR^(b)R^(c), phenyl, or pyridyl which may be substituted by halogen, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl or C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy.

In a further embodiment, R² is a six-membered carbo- or heterocyclic ring, which ring may be unsubstituted, partially, or fully substituted by R^(2a), and wherein R^(2a) is halogen, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, OR^(c), C(═O)OR^(c), C(═O)NR^(b)R^(c), phenyl, or pyridyl which may be substituted by R^(2aa), wherein R^(2aa) is as hereunder defined.

In a further embodiment, R² is a six-membered aromatic carbocyclic ring, which ring may be unsubstituted, partially, or fully substituted by R^(2a), and wherein R^(2a) is halogen, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, OR^(c), C(═O)OR^(c), C(═O)NR^(b)R^(c), phenyl, or pyridyl which may be substituted by R^(2aa), wherein R^(2aa) is as hereunder defined, preferably R^(2aa) is halogen, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl or C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy.

Within this embodiment, R² is phenyl which may be substituted by halogen, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl or C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy.

Further, within this embodiment R² is phenyl which may be substituted with phenyl.

In a further embodiment, R² is a six-membered heterocyclic ring, which contains 1 or 2, preferably 1, heteroatom(s) selected from N—R^(c), O, and S, wherein S may be oxidised, which heterocyclic ring is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more groups R^(2a), wherein R^(2a) is as hereunder defined.

In an embodiment, R^(a) is halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, CN, OR^(c), NR^(b)R^(c), NO₂, phenyl, pyridyl, thiazyl, furanyl, pyrimidinyl or thienyl, wherein the C-atoms aforementioned which groups may be unsubstituted or substituted by one or more R^(aa), wherein R^(aa) is as hereunder defined.

In a further embodiment, R^(a) is halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl or C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl.

In a further embodiment, R^(a) is halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl or C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl.

In a further embodiment, R^(a) is halogen.

In an embodiment, R^(a) is halogen, CN, NO₂, S(O)_(m)R^(b), C(O)R^(c), C(O)OR^(c), C(O)NR^(b)R^(c), C(═S)NR^(b)R^(c), C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₂-C₆-alkenyloxy or C₂-C₆-alkynyloxy, wherein the C-atoms of the aforementioned groups may be unsubstituted, partially or fully substituted by R^(aa), wherein is as hereunder defined.

In a further embodiment, R^(a) is halogen, CN, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₂-C₆-alkenyloxy or C₂-C₆-alkynyloxy, which C-atoms of the aforementioned groups may be unsubstituted, partially or fully substituted by R^(aa), wherein R^(aa) is as hereunder defined.

In a further embodiment, R^(a) is halogen, CN, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₂-C₆-alkenyloxy or C₂-C₆-alkynyloxy, wherein the C-atoms of the aforementioned groups may be unsubstituted, partially or fully substituted by halogen.

In a further embodiment, R^(a) is halogen, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl or C₁-C₆-alkoxy.

In a further embodiment, R^(a) is halogen, CN or C₁-C₂-haloalkyl.

In a further embodiment, R^(a) is halogen or C₁-C₂-haloalkyl.

In an embodiment, R^(a) is halogen, preferably Br, Cl or F, particularly Cl.

In another embodiment, R^(a) is C₁-C₂-haloalkyl, preferably halomethyl such as CHF₂ or CF₃, particularly CF₃.

In an embodiment, two geminally bound groups R^(a) together may form a group selected from ═O, ═S, ═CR^(b)R^(c), ═NR^(c), ═NOR^(c), and ═NNR^(c)R^(c);

In another embodiment, two geminally bound groups R^(a) together may form a group selected from ═CR^(b)R^(c), ═NR^(c), ═NOR^(c), and ═NNR^(c)R^(c);

In another embodiment, two geminally bound groups R^(a) together may form a group selected from ═O, ═S and ═N(C₁-C₆-alkyl).

In another embodiment, two geminally bound groups R^(a) together may form a ═N(C₁-C₆-alkyl) group.

In an embodiment, R^(b) is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, phenyl, pyridyl, thiazyl or thienyl, wherein the C-atoms of the aforementioned groups may be substituted by R^(aa), wherein R^(aa) is as hereunder defined. In a further embodiment, R^(b) is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy or C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy. In a further embodiment, R^(b) is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl or C₁-C₆-haloalkyl. In an embodiment, R^(b) is C₁-C₆-alkyl or C₁-C₆-haloalkyl. In an embodiment, R^(b) is H.

In an embodiment, R^(c) is hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyl, C₁-C₆ cycloalkyl, phenyl, pyridyl, thiazyl or thienyl wherein the C-atoms of the aforementioned groups may be substituted by R^(aa), wherein R^(aa) is as hereunder defined. In a further embodiment, R^(c) is hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyl, or C₁-C₆-cycloalkyl. In an embodiment, R^(c) is hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl or C₁-C₆-haloalkyl. In an embodiment, R^(c) is C₁-C₆-alkyl or C₁-C₆-haloalkyl. In an embodiment, R^(c) is H.

In an embodiment, two geminally bound groups R^(b)R^(b), R^(c)R^(b) or R^(c)R^(c) together with the atom to which they are bound, may form a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic carbo- or heterocyclic ring, which may contain 1 to 2 heteroatoms or heteroatoms groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂ and wherein the carbo- or heterocyclic ring may be partially or fully substituted by R³.

In another embodiment, two geminally bound groups R^(b)R^(b), R^(c)R^(b) or R^(c)R^(c) together with the atom to which they are bound, may form a 5- or 6-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic carbocyclic ring, which ring may be partially or fully substituted by R³, and wherein R³ is as hereunder defined.

In another embodiment, two geminally bound groups R^(b)R^(b), R^(c)R^(b) or R^(c)R^(c) together with the atom to which they are bound, may form a 5- or 6-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring, which may contain 1 to 2 heteroatoms or heteroatoms groups selected from N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂, wherein the heterocyclic ring may be partially or fully substituted by R³, and wherein R³ is as hereunder defined.

In an embodiment, R^(d) is hydrogen, phenyl, C₁-C₄-alkyl or C₂-C₆-alkenyl, wherein the aforementioned groups may be substituted by one or more halogen. In a further embodiment, R^(d) is C₁-C₄-alkyl or phenyl, which may be substituted by halogen. In another embodiment, R^(c)C₁-C₄-alkyl, preferably CH₃.

In an embodiment, R^(e) is C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyl, C₁-C₆ cycloalkyl, phenyl, pyridyl, thiazyl or thienyl wherein the aforementioned groups may be substituted by R^(aa), wherein R^(aa) is as hereunder defined. In a further embodiment, R^(e) is C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyl, or C₁-C₆-cycloalkyl. In a further embodiment, R^(e) is C₁-C₄-alkyl or C₁-C₄-haloalkyl.

In an embodiment, R^(aa) is halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl or C₁-C₆-haloalkyl. In another embodiment, R^(aa) is C₁-C₆-alkoxy or C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy. In an embodiment, R^(aa) is halogen.

In an embodiment, R^(2a) is halogen, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, OR^(c), C(═O)OR^(c), C(═O)NR^(b)R^(c), or phenyl, wherein the C-atoms of the aforementioned groups may be unsubstituted or substituted by one or more R^(2aa), wherein R^(2aa) is as hereunder defined, particularly R^(2a) is halogen, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, or C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy.

In an embodiment, two geminally bound groups R^(2a) together may form a group selected from ═O, ═S and ═N(C₁-C₆-alkyl).

In an embodiment, R^(2a) is halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, CN, OR^(c), NR^(b)R^(c), NO₂, phenyl, pyridyl, thiazyl, furanyl, pyrimidinyl or thienyl, wherein the C-atoms of the aforementioned groups may be unsubstituted or substituted by one or more R^(2aa), wherein R^(2aa) is as hereunder defined.

In a further embodiment, R^(2a) is halogen, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl or C₃-C₆-haloalkoxy.

In a another embodiment, R^(2a) is phenyl which may be substituted by one or more R^(2aa).

In a another embodiment, R^(2a) is halogen. In another embodiment, R^(2a) is C₁-C₆-haloalkyl. In another embodiment, R^(2a) is C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy.

In another embodiment, R^(2a) is halogen, CN, NO₂, S(O)_(m)R^(b), C(═O)R^(c), C(═O)OR^(c), C(O)NR^(b)R^(c), C(═S)NR^(b)R^(c), C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₂-C₆-alkenyloxy or C₂-C₆-alkynyloxy, which C-atoms of the aforementioned groups may be unsubstituted, partially or fully substituted by R^(aa), wherein is as hereunder defined.

In further embodiment, R^(2a) is, C(═O)OR^(c) or C(═O)NR^(b)R^(c).

In another embodiment, R^(2a) is halogen, CN, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₂-C₆-alkenyloxy or C₂-C₆-alkynyloxy, which C-atoms of the aforementioned groups may be unsubstituted, partially or fully substituted by R^(2aa), wherein R^(2aa) is as hereunder defined.

In an embodiment, R^(2a) is Br, Cl or F, particularly Cl.

In another embodiment, R^(2a) is C₁-C₂-haloalkyl, preferably halomethyl such as CHF₂ or CF₃, particularly CF₃.

In an embodiment, R^(2aa) is halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₂-C₄-alkenyl, C₂-C₄-alkynyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, CN, N(C₁-C₆-alkyl)(C₁-C₆-alkyl), C(═O)(O)_(p)(C₁-C₆-alkyl), C(═O)N(C₁-C₆-alkyl)(C₁-C₆-alkyl), S(O)_(m)(C₁-C₆-alkyl), SO₂N(C₁-C₆-alkyl)(C₁-C₆-alkyl), OSO₂(C₁-C₆-alkyl), N(C₁-C₆-alkyl)SO₂(C₁-C₆-alkyl), or S(═O)_(p)(═N(C₁-C₆-alkyl))(C₁-C₆-alkyl) or two geminally bound groups R^(2aa) together may form a group selected from ═O, ═S and ═N(C₁-C₆-alkyl).

In an embodiment, R^(2aa) is halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₂-C₄-alkenyl, C₂-C₄-alkynyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, CN, N(C₁-C₆-alkyl)(C₁-C₆-alkyl), C(═O)(O)_(p)(C₁-C₆-alkyl), C(═O)N(C₁-C₆-alkyl)(C₁-C₆-alkyl), S(O)_(m)(C₁-C₆-alkyl), SO₂N(C₁-C₆-alkyl)(C₁-C₆-alkyl), OSO₂(C₁-C₆-alkyl), N(C₁-C₆-alkyl)SO₂(C₁-C₆-alkyl), or S(═O)_(p)(═N(C₁-C₆-alkyl))(C₁-C₆-alkyl). In another embodiment, two geminally bound groups R^(2aa) together may form a group selected from ═O, ═S and ═N(C₁-C₆-alkyl).

In an embodiment, R³ is halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₂-C₄-alkenyl, C₂-C₄-alkynyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, CN, N(C₁-C₆-alkyl)(C₁-C₆-alkyl), C(═O)(O)_(p)(C₁-C₆-alkyl), C(═O)N(C₁-C₆-alkyl)(C₁-C₆-alkyl), S(O)_(m)(C₁-C₆-alkyl), SO₂N(C₁-C₆-alkyl)(C₁-C₆-alkyl), OSO₂(C₁-C₆-alkyl), N(C₁-C₆-alkyl)SO₂(C₁-C₆-alkyl), S(═O)_(p)(═N(C₁-C₆-alkyl))(C₁-C₆-alkyl), or

two geminally bound groups R³ together may form a group selected from ═O, ═S and ═N(C₁-C₆-alkyl).

In an embodiment, R^(3a) is halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₂-C₄-alkenyl, C₂-C₄-alkynyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, CN, N(C₁-C₆-alkyl)(C₁-C₆-alkyl), C(═O)(O)_(p)(C₁-C₆-alkyl), C(═O)N(C₁-C₆-alkyl)(C₁-C₆-alkyl), S(O)_(m)(C₁-C₆-alkyl), SO₂N(C₁-C₆-alkyl)(C₁-C₆-alkyl), OSO₂(C₁-C₆-alkyl), N(C₁-C₆-alkyl)SO₂(C₁-C₆-alkyl), or S(═O)_(p)(═N(C₁-C₆-alkyl))(C₁-C₆-alkyl). In another embodiment, two geminally bound groups R^(3a) together may form a group selected from ═O, ═S and ═N(C₁-C₆-alkyl).

In an embodiment, m is 0. In another embodiment, m is 1. In another embodiment, m is 2.

In an embodiment, n is 0. In another embodiment, n is 1. In another embodiment, n is 2.

In an embodiment, p is 0. In another embodiment, p is 1.

In an embodiment Het is a five- or six-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring, which may contain 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from N(R^(c))_(p), O and S, wherein the heterocyclic ring is substituted by (R^(a))_(n) and the remaining variables in the meaning of Het are as above defined.

In an embodiment Het is a five- or six-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring, which may contain 1 to 2 heteroatoms selected from N(R^(c))_(p), O and S, wherein the heterocyclic ring is substituted by (R^(a))_(n).

In an embodiment Het is a five-membered aromatic heterocyclic ring, which contains 2 heteroatoms selected from N(R^(c))_(p), O and S, wherein the heterocyclic ring is substituted by (R^(a))_(n).

In an embodiment Het is a five-membered saturated heterocyclic ring, which contains 1 heteroatom selected from N(R^(c))_(p), O and S, preferably O, wherein the heterocyclic ring is substituted by (R^(a))_(n).

In an embodiment Het is a six-membered aromatic heterocyclic ring, which contains 2 heteroatoms selected from N(R^(c))_(p), O and S, preferably N(R^(c))_(p), wherein the heterocyclic ring is substituted by (R^(a))_(n).

In an embodiment Het is a six-membered aromatic heterocyclic ring, which contains 1 heteroatom selected from N(R^(c))_(p), O and S, preferably N(R^(c))_(p), wherein the heterocyclic ring is substituted by (R^(a))_(n).

In an embodiment Het is pyridyl which is substituted by (R^(a))_(n).

In an embodiment Het is tetrahydrofuryl which is substituted by (R^(a))_(n).

In another embodiment, Het is selected from any one of the following ring systems D-1 to D-56:

Wherever used in a structure, the following: # denotes the bond to A in formula (I)

In a further embodiment Het is selected from any one of the following ring systems:

In a further embodiment, Het is selected from the following rings systems D-2, D-9, D-22, D-25, D-28, D-29 and D-54:

wherein R^(a) is halogen, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy or C₁-C₄-alkylthio or phenyl; preferably R^(a) is halogen or halomethyl.

In a further embodiment, Het is selected from the following rings systems D-2, D-9 and D-25:

wherein R^(a) is halogen, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy or C₁-C₄-alkylthio or phenyl, preferably halogen or C₁-C₄-haloalkyl; more preferably R^(a) is Cl, Br, F or CF₃, most preferably R^(a) is Cl or CF₃.

In a further embodiment Het is selected from the following rings systems D-2, D-25 or D-54:

wherein R^(a) is halogen or C₁-C₄-haloalkyl; preferably R^(a) is Cl, Br, F or CF₃, most preferably R^(a) is Cl or CF₃.

In another embodiment Het is selected from the following rings systems D-2a, D-2b, D-2c, D-25a and D-54a:

wherein R^(a) are independently from each other selected from Cl, Br, F and CF₃.

In another embodiment Het is D-2, preferably D-2b or D-2c, particularly D-2b, wherein R^(a) is Cl or CF₃.

In a further embodiment Het is D-2a.

In another embodiment, Het is D-25, preferably D-25a substituted by Cl.

In another embodiment, Het is D-9, preferably D-9a or D9b.

In another embodiment, Het is D-56, preferably D-56a.

In particular, with a view to their use, preference is given to the compounds of the formula (I) compiled in the tables below, which compounds correspond to the compounds of formulae I.1.B (i.e. wherein X and Y are O) and to the preferred compounds of formula II-1, II-2, II-3, II-4, II-5, II-6, II-7, and II-15. Each of the groups mentioned for the substituents in the tables are furthermore per se, independently of the combination in which they are mentioned, a particularly preferred aspect of the substituent in question. Further, each individual meaning of a substituent in the tables constitutes a particularly preferred embodiment of the substituents in question.

Table 1: Compounds of the formula (III-1) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-1, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-2b wherein R^(a) is Cl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A:

Table 2: Compounds of the formula (III-2) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-2, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-2b wherein R^(a) is Cl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A:

Table 3: Compounds of the formula (III-3) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-3, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-2b wherein R^(a) is Cl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 4: Compounds of the formula (III-4) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-4, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-2b wherein R^(a) is Cl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 5: Compounds of the formula (III-5) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-5, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-2b wherein R^(a) is Cl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 6: Compounds of the formula (III-6) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-6, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-2b wherein R^(a) is Cl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 7 Compounds of the formula (III-7) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-7, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-2b wherein R^(a) is Cl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 8: Compounds of the formula (III-8) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-15, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-2b wherein R^(a) is Cl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 9: Compounds of the formula (III-9) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-1, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-25a wherein R^(a) is Cl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A:

Table 10: Compounds of the formula (III-10) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-2, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-25a wherein R^(a) is Cl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 11: Compounds of the formula (III-11) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-3, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-25a wherein R^(a) is Cl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 12: Compounds of the formula (III-12) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-4, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-25a wherein R^(a) is Cl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 13: Compounds of the formula (III-13) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-5, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-25a wherein R^(a) is Cl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 14: Compounds of the formula (III-14) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-6, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-25a wherein R^(a) is Cl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 15 Compounds of the formula (III-15) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-7, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-25a wherein R^(a) is Cl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 16: Compounds of the formula (III-16) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-15, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-25a wherein R^(a) is Cl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 17: Compounds of the formula (III-17) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-1, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-2b wherein R^(a) is Cl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A:

Table 18: Compounds of the formula (III-18) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-2, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-9b, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A:

Table 19: Compounds of the formula (III-19) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-3, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-9b, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 20: Compounds of the formula (III-20) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-4, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-9b, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 21: Compounds of the formula (III-21) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-5, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-9b, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 22: Compounds of the formula (III-22) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-6, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-9b, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 23 Compounds of the formula (III-23) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-7, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-9b, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 24: Compounds of the formula (III-24) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-15, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-9b, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 25: Compounds of the formula (III-25) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-1, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-25a wherein R^(a) is S—CH₃, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A:

Table 26: Compounds of the formula (III-26) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-2, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-25a wherein R^(a) is S—CH₃, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 27: Compounds of the formula (III-27) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-3, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-25a wherein R^(a) is S—CH₃, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 28: Compounds of the formula (III-28) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-4, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-25a wherein R^(a) is S—CH₃, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 29: Compounds of the formula (III-29) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-5, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-25a wherein R^(a) is S—CH₃, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 30: Compounds of the formula (III-30) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-6, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-25a wherein R^(a) is S—CH₃, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 31 Compounds of the formula (III-31) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-7, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-25a wherein R^(a) is S—CH₃, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 32: Compounds of the formula (III-32) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-15, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-25a wherein R^(a) is S—CH₃, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 33: Compounds of the formula (III-33) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-1, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-2c wherein R^(a) is Cl and Phenyl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A:

Table 34: Compounds of the formula (III-34) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-2, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-2c wherein R^(a) is Cl and Phenyl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A:

Table 35: Compounds of the formula (III-35) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-3, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-2c wherein R^(a) is Cl and phenyl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 36: Compounds of the formula (III-36) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-4, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-2c wherein R^(a) is Cl and phenyl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 37: Compounds of the formula (III-37) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-5, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-2c wherein R^(a) is Cl and phenyl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 38: Compounds of the formula (III-38) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-6, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-2c wherein R^(a) is Cl and phenyl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 39 Compounds of the formula (III-39) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-7, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-2c wherein R^(a) is Cl and phenyl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 40: Compounds of the formula (III-40) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-15, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-2c wherein R^(a) is Cl and phenyl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 41: Compounds of the formula (III-41) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-1, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-56a wherein R^(a) is O-Me, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A:

Table 42: Compounds of the formula (III-42) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-2, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-56a wherein R^(a) is O-Me, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 43: Compounds of the formula (III-43) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-3, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-56a wherein R^(a) is O-Me, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 44: Compounds of the formula (III-12) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-4, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-56a wherein R^(a) is O-Me, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 45: Compounds of the formula (III-45) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-5, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-56a wherein R^(a) is O-Me, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 46: Compounds of the formula (III-46) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-6, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-56a wherein R^(a) is O-Me, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 47 Compounds of the formula (III-47) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-7, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-56a wherein R^(a) is O-Me, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 48: Compounds of the formula (III-48) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-15, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-56a wherein R^(a) is O-Me, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A.

Table 49: Compounds of the formula (III-49) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-16, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-2b wherein R^(a) is Cl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A:

Table 50: Compounds of the formula (III-50) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-16, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-25a wherein R^(a) is Cl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A:

Table 51: Compounds of the formula (III-51) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-16, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-2c wherein R^(a) is Cl and Phenyl, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A:

Table 52: Compounds of the formula (III-52) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-16, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-25a wherein R^(a) is S-Me, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A:

Table 53: Compounds of the formula (III-53) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-16, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-9b, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A:

Table 54: Compounds of the formula (III-54) corresponding to the compounds of the formula II-16, in which X and Y are O, Het is D-56a wherein R^(a) is O-Me, and the combination of R¹, ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of Table A:

TABLE A No. ZR² R¹ A-1 C₆H₅ CH₃ A-2 2-fluorophenyl CH₃ A-3 2-methoxyphenyl CH₃ A-4 2,4-difluorophenyl CH₃ A-5 2,6-difluorophenyl CH₃ A-6 4-fluorophenyl CH₃ A-7 CO₂CH₂CH₃ CH₃ A-8 C(O)CF₃ CH₃ A-9 C(O)C₆H₅ CH₃ A-10 3-methoxyphenyl CH₃ A-11 3-cyanophenyl CH₃ A-12 3-(CO₂CH₂CH₃)phenyl CH₃ A-13 3-(C(O)N(CH₃)₂)phenyl CH₃ A-14 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₃ A-15 3-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl CH₃ A-16 3,5-dichlorophenyl CH₃ A-17 3-fluoro-5-methylphenyl CH₃ A-18 2-methoxy-5(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₃ A-19 3-chloro-5(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₃ A-20 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)phenyl CH₃ A-21 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-4- CH₃ fluorophenyl A-22 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-5- CH₃ methylphenyl A-23 3-phenylphenyl CH₃ A-24 4-methoxyphenyl CH₃ A-25 3-(3-chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridine-2- CH₃ yl)phenyl A-26 C₆H₅ CH₂CH₃ A-27 2-fluorophenyl CH₂CH₃ A-28 2-methoxyphenyl CH₂CH₃ A-29 2,4-difluorophenyl CH₂CH₃ A-30 2,6-difluorophenyl CH₂CH₃ A-31 4-fluorophenyl CH₂CH₃ A-32 CO₂CH₂CH₃ CH₂CH₃ A-33 C(O)CF₃ CH₂CH₃ A-34 C(O)C₆H₅ CH₂CH₃ A-35 3-methoxyphenyl CH₂CH₃ A-36 3-cyanophenyl CH₂CH₃ A-37 3-(CO₂CH₂CH₃)phenyl CH₂CH₃ A-38 3-(C(O)N(CH₃)₂)phenyl CH₂CH₃ A-39 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₂CH₃ A-40 3-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl CH₂CH₃ A-41 3,5-dichlorophenyl CH₂CH₃ A-42 3-fluoro-5-methylphenyl CH₂CH₃ A-43 2-methoxy-5(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₂CH₃ A-44 3-chloro-5(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₂CH₃ A-45 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)phenyl CH₂CH₃ A-46 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-4- CH₂CH₃ fluorophenyl A-47 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-5- CH₂CH₃ methylphenyl A-48 3-phenylphenyl CH₂CH₃ A-49 4-methoxyphenyl CH₂CH₃ A-50 3-(3-chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridine-2-yl- CH₂CH₃ phenyl A-51 C₆H₅ CH(CH₃)₂ A-52 2-fluorophenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-53 2-methoxyphenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-54 2,4-difluorophenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-55 2,6-difluorophenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-56 4-fluorophenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-57 CO₂CH₂CH₃ CH(CH₃)₂ A-58 C(O)CF₃ CH(CH₃)₂ A-59 C(O)C₆H₅ CH(CH₃)₂ A-60 3-methoxyphenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-61 3-cyanophenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-62 3-(CO₂CH₂CH₃)phenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-63 3-(C(O)N(CH₃)₂)phenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-64 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-65 3-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-66 3,5-dichlorophenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-67 3-fluoro-5-methylphenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-68 2-methoxy-5(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-69 3-chloro-5(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-70 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)phenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-71 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-4- CH(CH₃)₂ fluorophenyl A-72 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-5- CH(CH₃)₂ methylphenyl A-73 3-phenylphenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-74 4-methoxyphenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-75 3-(3-chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridine-2-yl- CH(CH₃)₂ phenyl A-76 C₆H₅ CH₂CH═CH₂ A-77 2-fluorophenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-78 2-methoxyphenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-79 2,4-difluorophenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-80 2,6-difluorophenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-81 4-fluorophenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-82 CO₂CH₂CH₃ CH₂CH═CH₂ A-83 C(O)CF₃ CH₂CH═CH₂ A-84 C(O)C₆H₅ CH₂CH═CH₂ A-85 3-methoxyphenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-86 3-cyanophenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-87 3-(CO₂CH₂CH₃)phenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-88 3-(C(O)N(CH₃)₂)phenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-89 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-90 3-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-91 3,5-dichlorophenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-92 3-fluoro-5-methylphenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-93 2-methoxy-5(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-94 3-chloro-5(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-95 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)phenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-96 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-4- CH₂CH═CH₂ fluorophenyl A-97 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-5- CH₂CH═CH₂ methylphenyl A-98 3-phenylphenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-99 4-methoxyphenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-100 3-(3-chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridine-2- CH₂CH═CH₂ yl)phenyl A-101 C₆H₅ CH₂C₆H₅ A-102 2-fluorophenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-103 2-methoxyphenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-104 2,4-difluorophenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-105 2,6-difluorophenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-106 4-fluorophenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-107 CO₂CH₂CH₃ CH₂C₆H₅ A-108 C(O)CF₃ CH₂C₆H₅ A-109 C(O)C₆H₅ CH₂C₆H₅ A-110 3-methoxyphenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-111 3-cyanophenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-112 3-(CO₂CH₂CH₃)phenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-113 3-(C(O)N(CH₃)₂)phenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-114 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-115 3-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-116 3,5-dichlorophenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-117 3-fluoro-5-methylphenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-118 2-methoxy-5(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-119 3-chloro-5(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-120 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)phenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-121 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-4- CH₂C₆H₅ fluorophenyl A-122 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-5- CH₂C₆H₅ methylphenyl A-123 3-phenylphenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-124 4-methoxyphenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-125 3-(3-chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridine-2- CH₂C₆H₅ yl)phenyl A-126 C₆H₅ CH₂CF₃ A-127 2-fluorophenyl CH₂CF₃ A-128 2-methoxyphenyl CH₂CF₃ A-129 2,4-difluorophenyl CH₂CF₃ A-130 2,6-difluorophenyl CH₂CF₃ A-131 4-fluorophenyl CH₂CF₃ A-132 CO₂CH₂CH₃ CH₂CF₃ A-133 C(O)CF₃ CH₂CF₃ A-134 C(O)C₆H₅ CH₂CF₃ A-135 3-methoxyphenyl CH₂CF₃ A-136 3-cyanophenyl CH₂CF₃ A-137 3-(CO₂CH₂CH₃)phenyl CH₂CF₃ A-138 3-(C(O)N(CH₃)₂)phenyl CH₂CF₃ A-139 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₂CF₃ A-140 3-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl CH₂CF₃ A-141 3,5-dichlorophenyl CH₂CF₃ A-142 3-fluoro-5-methylphenyl CH₂CF₃ A-143 2-methoxy-5(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₂CF₃ A-144 3-chloro-5(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₂CF₃ A-145 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)phenyl CH₂CF₃ A-146 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-4- CH₂CF₃ fluorophenyl A-147 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-5- CH₂CF₃ methylphenyl A-148 3-phenylphenyl CH₂CF₃ A-149 4-methoxyphenyl CH₂CF₃ A-150 3-(3-chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridine-2- CH₂CF₃ yl)phenyl

The compound of formula (I) according to the present invention can be prepared according to the following syntheses routes, e.g. according to the preparation methods and preparation schemes as described below.

The compound of formula (I) according to the present invention can be prepared according to the e.g. preparation methods and preparation schemes as described below. The compounds used as starting materials for the syntheses of the compounds according to the present invention can generally be prepared by standard methods of organic chemistry. If not otherwise specified, the definitions of the variables such as X, Y, Het, R¹ and R² of the structures given in the schemes have the same meaning as defined above.

Compounds of the formula (I) can for example be prepared by reacting the appropriately substituted compounds P-1 with the a malonate derivative P-2 analogous to the methods described by Holyoke et al. in WO 2009/099929 (Scheme 1):

Compounds like P-1 can be prepared from the corresponding compounds P-3, by reacting it with an amine nucleophile like P-4 as described by, for example, Michel Langlois et al, Journal of Heterocyclic Chemistry, 19(1), 193-200; 1982, wherein LG denotes a leaving group such as halogen (e.g. chlorine or bromine), OR′, or SR′, with R′ being C₁-C₆-alkyl, preferably chlorine methoxy ethoxy, methylthio or ethylthio (Scheme 2):

Compounds like P-3 are available from the corresponding lactams P-5 by standard procedures known to a person skilled in the art. For example see Allen, Jennifer Rebecca et al in WO 2004/094382 or Lang, Kai et al, Journal of Organic Chemistry, 75(19), 6424-6435; 2010 (Scheme 3):

Lactams are widespread in organic chemistry and methods to produce them are well known. For example see: Smith, M. B. in Science of Synthesis, (2005) 21, 653.

If individual compounds cannot be prepared via the above described routes, they can be prepared by derivatization of other compounds of formula (I) or by customary modifications of the synthesis routes described.

For example, in individual cases, certain compounds of formula (I) can advantageously be prepared from other compounds of formula (I) by derivatization, e.g. by ester hydrolysis, amidation, esterification, ether cleavage, olefination, reduction, oxidation and the like, or by customary modifications of the synthesis routes described.

The reaction mixtures are worked up in the customary manner, for example by mixing with water, separating the phases, and, if appropriate, purifying the crude products by chromatography, for example on alumina or silica gel.

The term “invertebrate pest” as used herein encompasses animal populations, such as arthropod pests, including insects and arachnids, as well as nematodes, which may attack plants thereby causing substantial damage to the plants attacked, as well as ectoparasites which may infest animals, in particular warm blooded animals such as e.g. mammals or birds, or other higher animals such as reptiles, amphibians or fish, thereby causing substantial damage to the animals infested.

The compounds of formula (I) according to the present invention are in particular suitable for efficiently controlling arthropod pests such as arachnids, myriapedes and insects as well as nematodes.

The compounds of the formula (I) are especially suitable for efficiently combating the following pests:

Insects from the order of the lepidopterans (Lepidoptera), for example Agrotis ipsilon, Agrotis segetum, Alabama argillacea, Anticarsia gemmatalis, Argyresthia conjugella, Autographa gamma, Bupalus piniarius, Cacoecia murinana, Capua reticulana, Cheimatobia brumata, Choristoneura fumiferana, Choristoneura occidentalis, Cirphis unipuncta, Cydia pomonella, Dendrolimus pini, Diaphania nitidalis, Diatraea grandiosella, Earias insulana, Elasmopalpus lignosellus, Eupoecilia ambiguella, Evetria bouliana, Feltia subterranea, Galleria mellonella, Grapholitha funebrana, Grapholitha molesta, Heliothis armigera, Heliothis virescens, Heliothis zea, Hellula undalis, Hibernia defoliaria, Hyphantria cunea, Hyponomeuta malinellus, Keiferia lycopersicella, Lambdina fiscellaria, Laphygma exigua, Leucoptera coffeella, Leucoptera scitella, Lithocolletis blancardella, Lobesia botrana, Loxostege sticticalis, Lymantria dispar, Lymantria monacha, Lyonetia clerkella, Malacosoma neustria, Mamestra brassicae, Orgyia pseudotsugata, Ostrinia nubilalis, Panolis flammea, Pectinophora gossypiella, Peridroma saucia, Phalera bucephala, Phthorimaea operculella, Phyllocnistis citrella, Pieris brassicae, Plathypena scabra, Plutella xylostella, Pseudoplusia includens, Rhyacionia frustrana, Scrobipalpula absoluta, Sitotroga cerealella, Sparganothis pilleriana, Spodoptera frugiperda, Spodoptera littoralis, Spodoptera litura, Thaumatopoea pityocampa, Tortrix viridana, Trichoplusia ni and Zeiraphera canadensis; beetles (Coleoptera), for example Agrilus sinuatus, Agriotes lineatus, Agriotes obscurus, Amphimallus solstitialis, Anisandrus dispar, Anthonomus grandis, Anthonomus pomorunn, Aphthona euphoridae, Athous haemorrhoidalis, Atomaria linearis, Blastophagus piniperda, Blitophaga undata, Bruchus rufimanus, Bruchus pisorum, Bruchus lentis, Byctiscus betulae, Cassida nebulosa, Cerotoma trifurcata, Cetonia aurata, Ceuthorrhynchus assimilis, Ceuthorrhynchus napi, Chaetocnema tibialis, Conoderus vespertinus, Crioceris asparagi, Ctenicera ssp., Diabrotica longicornis, Diabrotica semipunctata, Diabrotica 12-punctata Diabrotica speciosa, Diabrotica virgifera, Epilachna varivestis, Epitrix hirtipennis, Eutinobothrus brasiliensis, Hylobius abietis, Hypera brunneipennis, Hypera postica, Ips typographus, Lema bilineata, Lema melanopus, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Limonius californicus, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus, Melanotus communis, Meligethes aeneus, Melolontha hippocastani, Melolontha melolontha, Oulema oryzae, Otiorrhynchus sulcatus, Otiorrhynchus ovatus, Phaedon cochleariae, Phyllobius pyri, Phyllotreta chrysocephala, Phyllophaga sp., Phyllopertha horticola, Phyllotreta nemorum, Phyllotreta striolata, Popillia japonica, Sitona lineatus and Sitophilus granaria; flies, mosquitoes (Diptera), e.g. Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Aedes vexans, Anastrepha ludens, Anopheles maculipennis, Anopheles crucians, Anopheles albimanus, Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles freeborni, Anopheles leucosphyrus, Anopheles minimus, Anopheles quadrimaculatus, Calliphora vicina, Ceratitis capitata, Chrysomya bezziana, Chrysomya hominivorax, Chrysomya macellaria, Chrysops discalis, Chrysops silacea, Chrysops atlanticus, Cochliomyia hominivorax, Contarinia sorghicola Cordylobia anthropophaga, Culicoides furens, Culex pipiens, Culex nigripalpus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex tarsalis, Culiseta inornata, Culiseta melanura, Dacus cucurbitae, Dacus oleae, Dasineura brassicae, Delia antique, Delia coarctata, Delia platura, Delia radicum, Dermatobia hominis, Fannia canicularis, Geomyza Tripunctata, Gasterophilus intestinalis, Glossina morsitans, Glossina palpalis, Glossina fuscipes, Glossina tachinoides, Haematobia irritans, Haplodiplosis equestris, Hippelates spp., Hylemyia platura, Hypoderma lineata, Leptoconops torrens, Liriomyza sativae, Liriomyza trifolii, Lucilia caprina, Lucilia cuprina, Lucilia sericata, Lycoria pectoralis, Mansonia titillanus, Mayetiola destructor, Musca autumnalis, Musca domestica, Muscina stabulans, Oestrus ovis, Opomyza florum, Oscinella frit, Pegomya hysocyami, Phorbia antiqua, Phorbia brassicae, Phorbia coarctata, Phlebotomus argentipes, Psorophora columbiae, Psila rosae, Psorophora discolor, Prosimulium mixtum, Rhagoletis cerasi, Rhagoletis pomonella, Sarcophaga haemorrhoidalis, Sarcophaga spp., Simulium vittatum, Stomoxys calcitrans, Tabanus bovinus, Tabanus atratus, Tabanus lineola, Tabanus similis, Tipula oleracea, and Tipula paludosa; thrips (Thysanoptera), e.g. Dichromothrips corbetti, Dichromothrips ssp., Frankliniella fusca, Frankliniella occidentalis, Frankliniella tritici, Scirtothrips citri, Thrips oryzae, Thrips palmi and Thrips tabaci, termites (Isoptera), e.g. Calotermes flavicollis, Leucotermes flavipes, Heterotermes aureus, Reticulitermes flavipes, Reticulitermes virginicus, Reticulitermes lucifugus, Reticulitermes santonensis, Reticulitermes grassei, Termes natalensis, and Coptotermes formosanus; cockroaches (Blattaria-Blattodea), e.g. Blattella germanica, Blattella asahinae, Periplaneta americana, Periplaneta japonica, Periplaneta brunnea, Periplaneta fuligginosa, Periplaneta australasiae, and Blatta orientalis; bugs, aphids, leafhoppers, whiteflies, scale insects, cicadas (Hemiptera), e.g. Acrosternum hilare, Blissus leucopterus, Cyrtopeltis notatus, Dysdercus cingulatus, Dysdercus intermedius, Eurygaster integriceps, Euschistus impictiventris, Leptoglossus phyllopus, Lygus lineolaris, Lygus pratensis, Nezara viridula, Piesma quadrata, Solubea insularis, Thyanta perditor, Acyrthosiphon onobrychis, Adelges laricis, Aphidula nasturtii, Aphis fabae, Aphis forbesi, Aphis pomi, Aphis gossypii, Aphis grossulariae, Aphis schneideri, Aphis spiraecola, Aphis sambuci, Acyrthosiphon pisum, Aulacorthum solani, Bemisia argentifolii, Brachycaudus cardui, Brachycaudus helichrysi, Brachycaudus persicae, Brachycaudus prunicola, Brevicoryne brassicae, Capitophorus horni, Cerosipha gossypii, Chaetosiphon fragaefolii, Cryptomyzus ribis, Dreyfusia nordmannianae, Dreyfusia piceae, Dysaphis radicola, Dysaulacorthum pseudosolani, Dysaphis plantaginea, Dysaphis pyri, Empoasca fabae, Hyalopterus pruni, Hyperomyzus lactucae, Macrosiphum avenae, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Macrosiphon rosae, Megoura viciae, Melanaphis pyrarius, Metopolophium dirhodum, Myzus persicae, Myzus ascalonicus, Myzus cerasi, Myzus varians, Nasonovia ribis-nigri, Nilaparvata lugens, Pemphigus bursarius, Perkinsiella saccharicida, Phorodon humuli, Psylla mali, Psylla piri, Rhopalomyzus ascalonicus, Rhopalosiphum maidis, Rhopalosiphum padi, Rhopalosiphum insertum, Sappaphis mala, Sappaphis mali, Schizaphis graminum, Schizoneura lanuginosa, Sitobion avenae, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, Toxoptera aurantiiand, Viteus vitifolii, Cimex lectularius, Cimex hemipterus, Reduvius senilis, Triatoma spp., and Arilus critatus; ants, bees, wasps, sawflies (Hymenoptera), e.g. Athalia rosae, Atta cephalotes, Atta capiguara, Atta cephalotes, Atta laevigata, Atta robusta, Atta sexdens, Atta texana, Crematogaster spp., Hoplocampa minuta, Hoplocampa testudinea, Lasius niger, Monomorium pharaonis, Solenopsis geminata, Solenopsis invicta, Solenopsis richteri, Solenopsis xyloni, Pogonomyrmex barbatus, Pogonomyrmex californicus, Pheidole megacephala, Dasymutilla occidentalis, Bombus spp., Vespula squamosa, Paravespula vulgaris, Paravespula pennsylvanica, Paravespula germanica, Dolichovespula maculata, Vespa crabro, Polistes rubiginosa, Camponotus floridanus, and Linepithema humile; crickets, grasshoppers, locusts (Orthoptera), e.g. Acheta domestica, Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa, Locusta migratoria, Melanoplus bivittatus, Melanoplus femurrubrum, Melanoplus mexicanus, Melanoplus sanguinipes, Melanoplus spretus, Nomadacris septemfasciata, Schistocerca americana, Schistocerca gregaria, Dociostaurus maroccanus, Tachycines asynamorus, Oedaleus senegalensis, Zonozerus variegatus, Hieroglyphus daganensis, Kraussaria angulifera, Calliptamus italicus, Chortoicetes terminifera, and Locustana pardalina; arachnoidea, such as arachnids (Acarina), e.g. of the families Argasidae, Ixodidae and Sarcoptidae, such as Amblyomma americanum, Amblyomma variegatum, Ambryomma maculatum, Argas persicus, Boophilus annulatus, Boophilus decoloratus, Boophilus microplus, Dermacentor silvarum, Dermacentor andersoni, Dermacentor variabilis, Hyalomma truncatum, Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes rubicundus, Ixodes scapularis, Ixodes holocyclus, Ixodes pacificus, Ornithodorus moubata, Ornithodorus hermsi, Ornithodorus turicata, Ornithonyssus bacoti, Otobius megnini, Dermanyssus gallinae, Psoroptes ovis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Rhipicephalus evertsi, Sarcoptes scabiei, and Eriophyidae spp. such as Aculus schlechtendali, Phyllocoptrata oleivora and Eriophyes sheldoni; Tarsonemidae spp. such as Phytonemus pallidus and Polyphagotarsonemus latus; Tenuipalpidae spp. such as Brevipalpus phoenicis; Tetranychidae spp. such as Tetranychus cinnabarinus, Tetranychus kanzawai, Tetranychus pacificus, Tetranychus telarius and Tetranychus urticae, Panonychus ulmi, Panonychus citri, and Oligonychus pratensis; Araneida, e.g. Latrodectus mactans, and Loxosceles reclusa; fleas (Siphonaptera), e.g. Ctenocephalides felis, Ctenocephalides canis, Xenopsylla cheopis, Pulex irritans, Tunga penetrans, and Nosopsyllus fasciatus, silverfish, firebrat (Thysanura), e.g. Lepisma saccharina and Thermobia domestica, centipedes (Chilopoda), e.g. Scutigera coleoptrata, millipedes (Diplopoda), e.g. Narceus spp., Earwigs (Dermaptera), e.g. forficula auricularia, lice (Phthiraptera), e.g. Pediculus humanus capitis, Pediculus humanus corporis, Pthirus pubis, Haematopinus eurysternus, Haematopinus suis, Linognathus vituli, Bovicola bovis, Menopon gallinae, Menacanthus stramineus and Solenopotes capillatus. Collembola (springtails), e.g. Onychiurus ssp.

The compounds of formula (I) are also suitable for controlling Nematodes: plant parasitic nematodes such as root knot nematodes, Meloidogyne hapla, Meloidogyne incognita, Meloidogyne javanica, and other Meloidogyne species; cyst-forming nematodes, Globodera rostochiensis and other Globodera species; Heterodera avenae, Heterodera glycines, Heterodera schachtii, Heterodera trifolii, and other Heterodera species; Seed gall nematodes, Anguina species; Stem and foliar nematodes, Aphelenchoides species; Sting nematodes, Belonolaimus longicaudatus and other Belonolaimus species; Pine nematodes, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and other Bursaphelenchus species; Ring nematodes, Criconema species, Criconemella species, Criconemoides species, Mesocriconema species; Stem and bulb nematodes, Ditylenchus destructor, Ditylenchus dipsaci and other Ditylenchus species; Awl nematodes, Dolichodorus species; Spiral nematodes, Heliocotylenchus multicinctus and other Helicotylenchus species; Sheath and sheathoid nematodes, Hemicycliophora species and Hemicriconemoides species; Hirshmanniella species; Lance nematodes, Hoploaimus species; false rootknot nematodes, Nacobbus species; Needle nematodes, Longidorus elongatus and other Longidorus species; Lesion nematodes, Pratylenchus neglectus, Pratylenchus penetrans, Pratylenchus curvitatus, Pratylenchus goodeyi and other Pratylenchus species; Burrowing nematodes, Radopholus similis and other Radopholus species; Reniform nematodes, Rotylenchus robustus and other Rotylenchus species; Scutellonema species; Stubby root nematodes, Trichodorus primitivus and other Trichodorus species, Paratrichodorus species; Stunt nematodes, Tylenchorhynchus claytoni, Tylenchorhynchus dubius and other Tylenchorhynchus species; Citrus nematodes, Tylenchulus species; Dagger nematodes, Xiphinema species; and other plant parasitic nematode species.

The compounds of formula (I) are particularly useful for controlling, or combating, or treating, or preventing or protecting each of the individual group of target pests as above listed as well as each combination thereof.

Each of the groups or subgroup of the above listed pests constitute per se, independently of every possible combination a particular preferred target pests for which the compounds of the present invention are useful and therefore particular embodiment. Useful in this context is to be understood as:

use for combating such pest(s) or,

use for controlling such pest(s) or,

use for protecting from attack by such pest(s) or,

use for treating against infestation or infection by such pest(s) or,

use for controlling against infestation or infection by such pest(s) or,

use for preventing against infestation or infection by such pest(s) or,

use for protecting against infestation or infection by such pest(s).

The Compounds of the formula (I) are particularly useful for controlling insects, preferably piercing-sucking insects such as insects from the genera Thysanoptera, Diptera and Hemiptera.

Compounds of the formula (I) are particularly useful for controlling insects of the orders Hemiptera and Thysanoptera.

For use in a method according to the present invention, the compounds of formula (I) can be converted into the customary formulations, e.g. solutions, emulsions, suspensions, dusts, powders, pastes, granules and directly sprayable solutions. The use form depends on the particular purpose and application method. Formulations and application methods are chosen to ensure in each case a fine and uniform distribution of the compound of formula (I) according to the invention.

An agrochemical composition according to the present invention comprises a pesticidally effective amount of a compound of formula (I) according to the present invention. The term “effective amount” denotes an amount of the composition or of the compounds of formula (I), which is sufficient for controlling animal pests on a locus, such as crops, cultivated plants or in the protection of materials and which does not result in a substantial damage to the treated plants. Such an amount can vary in a broad range and is dependent on various factors, such as the animal pest species to be controlled, the treated cultivated plant or material, the climatic conditions and the specific compound of formula (I) used.

The compounds of formula (I) according to the invention can be converted into customary types of agrochemical compositions, e.g. solutions, emulsions, suspensions, dusts, powders, pastes, granules, pressings, capsules, and mixtures thereof. Examples for composition types are suspensions (e.g. SC, OD, FS), emulsifiable concentrates (e.g. EC), emulsions (e.g. EW, EO, ES, ME), capsules (e.g. CS, ZC), pastes, pastilles, wettable powders or dusts (e.g. WP, SP, WS, DP, DS), pressings (e.g. BR, TB, DT), granules (e.g. WG, SG, GR, FG, GG, MG), insecticidal articles (e.g. LN), as well as gel formulations for the treatment of plant propagation materials such as seeds (e.g. GF). These and further compositions types are defined in the “Catalogue of pesticide formulation types and international coding system”, Technical Monograph No. 2, 6th Ed. May 2008, CropLife International.

The compositions are prepared in a known manner, such as described by Mollet and Grubemann, Formulation technology, Wiley VCH, Weinheim, 2001; or Knowles, New developments in crop protection product formulation, Agrow Reports DS243, T&F Informa, London, 2005.

Examples for suitable auxiliaries for the formulations and or the agrochemicals compositions according to the inventions are solvents, liquid carriers, solid carriers or fillers, surfactants, dispersants, emulsifiers, wetters, adjuvants, solubilizers, penetration enhancers, protective colloids, adhesion agents, thickeners, humectants, repellents, attractants, feeding stimulants, compatibilizers, bactericides, antifreezing agents, antifoaming agents, colorants, tackifiers and binders.

Suitable solvents and liquid carriers are water and organic solvents, such as mineral oil fractions of medium to high boiling point, e.g. kerosene, diesel oil; oils of vegetable or animal origin; aliphatic, cyclic and aromatic hydrocarbons, e.g. toluene, paraffin, tetrahydronaphthalene, alkylated naphthalenes; alcohols, e.g. ethanol, propanol, butanol, benzylalcohol, cyclohexanol; glycols; DMSO; ketones, e.g. cyclohexanone; esters, e.g. lactates, carbonates, fatty acid esters, gammabutyrolactone; fatty acids; phosphonates; amines; amides, e.g. N-methylpyrrolidone, fatty acid dimethylamides; and mixtures thereof.

Suitable solid carriers or fillers are mineral earths, e.g. silicates, silica gels, talc, kaolins, lime-stone, lime, chalk, clays, dolomite, diatomaceous earth, bentonite, calcium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, magnesium oxide; polysaccharide powders, e.g. cellulose, starch; fertilizers, e.g. ammonium sulfate, ammonium phosphate, ammonium nitrate, ureas; products of vegetable origin, e.g. cereal meal, tree bark meal, wood meal, nutshell meal, and mixtures thereof.

Suitable surfactants are surface active compounds, such as anionic, cationic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants, block polymers, polyelectrolytes, and mixtures thereof.

Such surfactants can be used as emulsifier, dispersant, solubilizer, wetter, penetration enhancer, protective colloid, or adjuvant. Examples of surfactants are listed in McCutcheon's, Vol. 1: Emulsifiers & Detergents, McCutcheon's Directories, Glen Rock, USA, 2008 (International Ed. or North American Ed.).

Suitable anionic surfactants are alkali, alkaline earth or ammonium salts of sulfonates, sulfates, phosphates, carboxylates, and mixtures thereof. Examples of sulfonates are alkylarylsulfonates, diphenylsulfonates, alpha-olefin sulfonates, lignine sulfonates, sulfonates of fatty acids and oils, sulfonates of ethoxylated alkylphenols, sulfonates of alkoxylated arylphenols, sulfonates of condensed naphthalenes, sulfonates of dodecyl- and tridecylbenzenes, sulfonates of naphthalenes and alkylnaphthalenes, sulfosuccinates or sulfosuccinamates. Examples of sulfates are sulfates of fatty acids and oils, of ethoxylated alkylphenols, of alcohols, of ethoxylated alcohols, or of fatty acid esters. Examples of phosphates are phosphate esters. Examples of carboxylates are alkyl carboxylates, and carboxylated alcohol or alkylphenol ethoxylates.

Suitable nonionic surfactants are alkoxylates, N-substituted fatty acid amides, amine oxides, esters, sugar based surfactants, polymeric surfactants, and mixtures thereof. Examples of alkoxylates are compounds such as alcohols, alkylphenols, amines, amides, arylphenols, fatty acids or fatty acid esters which have been alkoxylated with 1 to 50 equivalents. Ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide may be employed for the alkoxylation, preferably ethylene oxide. Examples of N-substituted fatty acid amides are fatty acid glucamides or fatty acid alkanolamides. Examples of esters are fatty acid esters, glycerol esters or monoglycerides. Examples of sugar-based surfactants are sorbitans, ethoxylated sorbitans, sucrose and glucose esters or alkylpolyglucosides. Examples of polymeric surfactants are homo- or copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone, vinylalcohols, or vinylacetate.

Suitable cationic surfactants are quaternary surfactants, for example quaternary ammonium compounds with one or two hydrophobic groups, or salts of long chain primary amines. Suitable amphoteric surfactants are alkylbetains and imidazolines. Suitable block polymers are block polymers of the A-B or A-B-A type comprising blocks of polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide, or of the A-B-C type comprising alkanol, polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide. Suitable polyelectrolytes are polyacids or polybases. Examples of polyacids are alkali salts of polyacrylic acid or polyacid comb polymers. Examples of polybases are polyvinylamines or polyethyleneamines.

Suitable adjuvants are compounds, which have a neglectable or even no pesticidal activity themselves, and which improve the biological performance of the compound of formula (I) on the target. Examples are surfactants, mineral or vegetable oils, and other auxiliaries. Further examples are listed by Knowles, Adjuvants and additives, Agrow Reports DS256, T&F Informa UK, 2006, chapter 5.

Suitable thickeners are polysaccharides (e.g. xanthan gum, carboxymethylcellulose), anorganic clays (organically modified or unmodified), polycarboxylates, and silicates.

Suitable bactericides are bronopol and isothiazolinone derivatives such as alkylisothiazolinones and benzisothiazolinones.

Suitable antifreezing agents are ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, urea and glycerine.

Suitable antifoaming agents are silicones, long chain alcohols, and salts of fatty acids.

Suitable colorants (e.g. in red, blue, or green) are pigments of low water solubility and water-soluble dyes. Examples are inorganic colorants (e.g. iron oxide, titan oxide, iron hexacyanoferrate) and organic colorants (e.g. alizarin-, azo- and phthalocyanine colorants).

Suitable tackifiers or binders are polyvinylpyrrolidons, polyvinylacetates, polyvinyl alcohols, polyacrylates, biological or synthetic waxes, and cellulose ethers.

Examples for composition types and their preparation are:

i) Water Soluble Concentrates (SL, LS)

-   -   10-60 wt % of a compound of formula (I) according to the         invention and 5-15 wt % wetting agent (e.g. alcohol alkoxylates)         are dissolved in water and/or in a water-soluble solvent (e.g.         alcohols) up to 100 wt %. The active substance dissolves upon         dilution with water.         ii) Dispersible Concentrates (DC)     -   5-25 wt % of a compound of formula (I) according to the         invention and 1-10 wt % dispersant (e.g. polyvinylpyrrolidone)         are dissolved in up to 100 wt % organic solvent (e.g.         cyclohexanone). Dilution with water gives a dispersion.         iii) Emulsifiable Concentrates (EC)     -   15-70 wt % of a compound of formula (I) according to the         invention and 5-10 wt % emulsifiers (e.g. calcium         dodecylbenzenesulfonate and castor oil ethoxylate) are dissolved         in up to 100 wt % water insoluble organic solvent (e.g. aromatic         hydrocarbon). Dilution with water gives an emulsion.         iv) Emulsions (EW, EO, ES)     -   5-40 wt % of a compound of formula (I) according to the         invention and 1-10 wt % emulsifiers (e.g. calcium         dodecylbenzenesulfonate and castor oil ethoxylate) are dissolved         in 20-40 wt % water insoluble organic solvent (e.g. aromatic         hydrocarbon). This mixture is introduced into up to 100 wt %         water by means of an emulsifying machine and made into a         homogeneous emulsion. Dilution with water gives an emulsion.         v) Suspensions (SC, OD, FS)     -   In an agitated ball mill, 20-60 wt % of a compound of         formula (I) according to the invention are comminuted with         addition of 2-10 wt % dispersants and wetting agents (e.g.         sodium lignosulfonate and alcohol ethoxylate), 0.1-2 wt %         thickener (e.g. xanthan gum) and up to 100 wt % water to give a         fine active substance suspension. Dilution with water gives a         stable suspension of the active substance. For FS type         composition up to 40 wt % binder (e.g. polyvinylalcohol) is         added.         vi) Water Dispersible Granules and Water Soluble Granules (WG,         SG)     -   50-80 wt % of a compound of formula (I) according to the         invention are ground finely with addition of up to 100 wt %         dispersants and wetting agents (e.g. sodium lignosulfonate and         alcohol ethoxylate) and prepared as water dispersible or water         soluble granules by means of technical appliances (e.g.         extrusion, spray tower, fluidized bed). Dilution with water         gives a stable dispersion or solution of the active substance.         vii) Water Dispersible Powders and Water-Soluble Powders (WP,         SP, WS)     -   50-80 wt % of a compound of formula (I) according to the         invention are ground in a rotor stator mill with addition of 1-5         wt % dispersants (e.g. sodium lignosufonate), 1-3 wt % wetting         agents (e.g. alcohol ethoxylate) and up to 100 wt % solid         carrier, e.g. silica gel. Dilution with water gives a stable         dispersion or solution of the active substance.         viii) Gel (GW, GF)     -   In an agitated ball mill, 5-25 wt % of a compound of formula (I)         according to the invention are comminuted with addition of 3-10         wt % dispersants (e.g. sodium lignosulfonate), 1-5 wt %         thickener (e.g. carboxymethylcellulose) and up to 100 wt % water         to give a fine suspension of the active substance. Dilution with         water gives a stable suspension of the active substance.         iv) Microemulsion (ME)     -   5-20 wt % of a compound of formula (I) according to the         invention are added to 5-30 wt % organic solvent blend (e.g.         fatty acid dimethylamide and cyclohexanone), 10-25 wt %         surfactant blend (e.g. alkohol ethoxylate and arylphenol         ethoxylate), and water up to 100%. This mixture is stirred for 1         h to produce spontaneously a thermodynamically stable         microemulsion.         iv) Microcapsules (CS)     -   An oil phase comprising 5-50 wt % of a compound of formula (I)         according to the invention, 0-40 wt % water insoluble organic         solvent (e.g. aromatic hydrocarbon), 2-15 wt % acrylic monomers         (e.g. methylmethacrylate, methacrylic acid and a di- or         triacrylate) are dispersed into an aqueous solution of a         protective colloid (e.g. polyvinyl alcohol). Radical         polymerization initiated by a radical initiator results in the         formation of poly(meth)acrylate microcapsules. Alternatively, an         oil phase comprising 5-50 wt % of a compound I according to the         invention, 0-40 wt % water insoluble organic solvent (e.g.         aromatic hydrocarbon), and an isocyanate monomer (e.g.         diphenylmethene-4,4′-diisocyanatae) are dispersed into an         aqueous solution of a protective colloid (e.g. polyvinyl         alcohol). The addition of a polyamine (e.g.         hexamethylenediamine) results in the formation of a polyurea         microcapsules. The monomers amount to 1-10 wt %. The wt % relate         to the total CS composition.         ix) Dunstable Powders (DP, DS)     -   1-10 wt % of a compound of formula (I) according to the         invention are ground finely and mixed intimately with up to 100         wt % solid carrier, e.g. finely divided kaolin.         x) Granules (GR, FG)     -   0.5-30 wt % of a compound of formula (I) according to the         invention is ground finely and associated with up to 100 wt %         solid carrier (e.g. silicate). Granulation is achieved by         extrusion, spray drying or the fluidized bed.         xi) Ultra-Low Volume Liquids (UL)     -   1-50 wt % of a compound of formula (I) according to the         invention are dissolved in up to 100 wt % organic solvent, e.g.         aromatic hydrocarbon.

The compositions types i) to xi) may optionally comprise further auxiliaries, such as 0.1-1 wt % bactericides, 5-15 wt % antifreezing agents, 0.1-1 wt % antifoaming agents, and 0.1-1 wt % colorants.

The agrochemical compositions generally comprise between 0.01 and 95%, preferably between 0.1 and 90%, and most preferably between 0.5 and 75%, by weight of active substance i.e. the compounds of formula (I) according to the invention. The active substances are generally employed in a purity of from 90% to 100%, preferably from 95% to 100% (according to NMR spectrum).

Water soluble concentrates (LS), Suspoemulsions (SE), flowable concentrates (FS), powders for dry treatment (DS), water dispersible powders for slurry treatment (WS), water soluble powders (SS), emulsions (ES), emulsifiable concentrates (EC) and gels (GF) are usually employed for the purposes of treatment of plant propagation materials, particularly seeds.

The compositions according to the invention in question give, after two-to-tenfold dilution, concentrations of active substance of from 0.01 to 60% by weight, preferably from 0.1 to 40% by weight, in the ready-to-use preparations.

Application can be carried out before or during sowing. Methods for applying or treating compound of formula (I) and compositions thereof, respectively, on to plant propagation material, especially seeds include dressing, coating, pelleting, dusting, soaking and in furrow application methods of the propagation material. Preferably, compound of formula (I) or the compositions thereof, respectively, are applied on to the plant propagation material by a method such that germination is not induced, e.g. by seed dressing, pelleting, coating and dusting.

When employed in plant protection, the amounts of active substances applied are, depending on the kind of effect desired, from 0.001 to 2 kg per ha, preferably from 0.005 to 2 kg per ha, more preferably from 0.05 to 0.9 kg per ha, in particular from 0.1 to 0.75 kg per ha.

In treatment of plant propagation materials such as seeds, e.g. by dusting, coating or drenching seed, amounts of active substance of from 0.1 to 1000 g, preferably from 1 to 1000 g, more preferably from 1 to 100 g and most preferably from 5 to 100 g, per 100 kilogram of plant propagation material (preferably seed) are generally required.

When used in the protection of materials or stored products, the amount of active substance applied depends on the kind of application area and on the desired effect.

Amounts customarily applied in the protection of materials are 0.001 g to 2 kg, preferably 0.005 g to 1 kg, of active substance per cubic meter of treated material.

Various types of oils, wetters, adjuvants, fertilizer, or micronutrients, and other pesticides (e.g. herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, growth regulators, safeners) may be added to the active substances or the compositions comprising them as premix or, if appropriate not until immediately prior to use (tank mix). These agents can be admixed with the compositions according to the invention in a weight ratio of 1:100 to 100:1, preferably 1:10 to 10:1.

The user applies the composition according to the invention usually from a predosage device, a knapsack sprayer, a spray tank, a spray plane, or an irrigation system. Usually, the agrochemical composition is made up with water, buffer, and/or further auxiliaries to the desired application concentration and the ready-to-use spray liquor or the agrochemical composition according to the invention is thus obtained. Usually, 20 to 2000 liters, preferably 50 to 400 liters, of the ready-to-use spray liquor are applied per hectare of agricultural useful area.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, individual components of the composition according to the invention such as parts of a kit or parts of a binary or ternary mixture may be mixed by the user himself in a spray tank and further auxiliaries may be added, if appropriate.

In a further embodiment, either individual components of the composition according to the invention or partially premixed components, e.g. components comprising compounds of formula (I) and/or additional active substances from the groups M.1) to M.26, including M-X or F.I to F.XII, may be mixed by the user in a spray tank and further auxiliaries and additives may be added, if appropriate.

In a further embodiment, either individual components of the composition according to the invention or partially premixed components, e.g. components comprising compounds of formula (I) and/or active substances from the groups M.1 to M.26, including M-X or F.I to F.XII, can be applied jointly (e.g. after tank mix) or consecutively.

Mixtures

The following list M of pesticides, grouped and numbered according the Mode of Action Classification of the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC), together with which the compounds according to the invention can be used and with which potential synergistic effects might be produced, is intended to illustrate the possible combinations, but not to impose any limitation:

M.1 Acetylcholine esterase (AChE) inhibitors from the class of

M.1A carbamates, for example aldicarb, alanycarb, bendiocarb, benfuracarb, butocarboxim, butoxycarboxim, carbaryl, carbofuran, carbosulfan, ethiofencarb, fenobucarb, formetanate, furathiocarb, isoprocarb, methiocarb, methomyl, metolcarb, oxamyl, pirimicarb, propoxur, thiodicarb, thiofanox, trimethacarb, XMC, xylylcarb and triazamate; or from the class of M.1B organophosphates, for example acephate, azamethiphos, azinphos-ethyl, azinphosmethyl, cadusafos, chlorethoxyfos, chlorfenvinphos, chlormephos, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, coumaphos, cyanophos, demeton-S-methyl, diazinon, dichlorvos/DDVP, dicrotophos, dimethoate, dimethylvinphos, disulfoton, EPN, ethion, ethoprophos, famphur, fenamiphos, fenitrothion, fenthion, fosthiazate, heptenophos, imicyafos, isofenphos, isopropyl O-(methoxyaminothio-phosphoryl) salicylate, isoxathion, malathion, mecarbam, methamidophos, methidathion, mevinphos, monocrotophos, naled, omethoate, oxydemeton-methyl, parathion, parathion-methyl, phenthoate, phorate, phosalone, phosmet, phosphamidon, phoxim, pirimiphos-methyl, profenofos, propetamphos, prothiofos, pyraclofos, pyridaphenthion, quinalphos, sulfotep, tebupirimfos, temephos, terbufos, tetrachlorvinphos, thiometon, triazophos, trichlorfon and vamidothion; M.2. GABA-gated chloride channel antagonists such as: M.2A cyclodiene organochlorine compounds, as for example endosulfan or chlordane; or M.2B fiproles (phenylpyrazoles), as for example ethiprole, fipronil, flufiprole, pyrafluprole and pyriprole; M.3 Sodium channel modulators from the class of M.3A pyrethroids, for example acrinathrin, allethrin, d-cis-trans allethrin, d-trans allethrin, bifenthrin, bioallethrin, bioallethrin S-cylclopentenyl, bioresmethrin, cycloprothrin, cyfluthrin, beta-cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, gamma-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, alpha-cypermethrin, beta-cypermethrin, theta-cypermethrin, zetacypermethrin, cyphenothrin, deltamethrin, empenthrin, esfenvalerate, etofenprox, fenpropathrin, fenvalerate, flucythrinate, flumethrin, tau-fluvalinate, halfenprox, heptafluthrin, imiprothrin, meperfluthrin, metofluthrin, momfluorothrin, permethrin, phenothrin, prallethrin, profluthrin, pyrethrin (pyrethrum), resmethrin, silafluofen, tefluthrin, tetramethylfluthrin, tetramethrin, tralomethrin and transfluthrin; or M.3B sodium channel modulators such as DDT or methoxychlor; M.4 Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists (nAChR) from the class of M.4A neonicotinoids, for example acteamiprid, chlothianidin, cycloxaprid, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam; or the compounds M.4A.2: (2E-)-1-[(6-Chloropyridin-3-yl)methyl]-N′-nitro-2-pentylidenehydrazinecarboximidamide; or M4.A.3: 1-[(6-Chloropyridin-3-yl)methyl]-7-methyl-8-nitro-5-propoxy-1,2,3,5,6,7-hexahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine; or from the class M.4B nicotine; M.5 Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor allosteric activators from the class of spinosyns, for example spinosad or spinetoram; M.6 Chloride channel activators from the class of avermectins and milbemycins, for example abamectin, emamectin benzoate, ivermectin, lepimectin or milbemectin; M.7 Juvenile hormone mimics, such as M.7A juvenile hormone analogues as hydroprene, kinoprene and methoprene; or others as M.7B fenoxycarb or M.7C pyriproxyfen; M.8 miscellaneous non-specific (multi-site) inhibitors, for example M.8A alkyl halides as methyl bromide and other alkyl halides, or M.8B chloropicrin, or M.8C sulfuryl fluoride, or M.8D borax, or M.8E tartar emetic; M.9 Selective homopteran feeding blockers, for example M.9B pymetrozine, or M.9C flonicamid; M.10 Mite growth inhibitors, for example M.10A clofentezine, hexythiazox and diflovidazin, or M.10B etoxazole; M.11 Microbial disruptors of insect midgut membranes, for example Bacillus thuringiensis or Bacillus sphaericus and the insecticdal proteins they produce such as Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis, Bacillus sphaericus, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. tenebrionis, or the Bt crop proteins: Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry1Fa, Cry2Ab, mCry3A, Cry3Ab, Cry3Bb and Cry34/35Ab1; M.12 Inhibitors of mitochondrial ATP synthase, for example M.12A diafenthiuron, or M.12B organotin miticides such as azocyclotin, cyhexatin or fenbutatin oxide, or M.12C propargite, or M.12D tetradifon; M.13 Uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation via disruption of the proton gradient, for example chlorfenapyr, DNOC or sulfluramid; M.14 Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) channel blockers, for example nereistoxin analogues as bensultap, cartap hydrochloride, thiocyclam or thiosultap sodium; M.15 Inhibitors of the chitin biosynthesis type 0, such as benzoylureas as for example bistrifluron, chlorfluazuron, diflubenzuron, flucycloxuron, flufenoxuron, hexaflumuron, lufenuron, novaluron, noviflumuron, teflubenzuron or triflumuron; M.16 Inhibitors of the chitin biosynthesis type 1, as for example buprofezin; M.17 Moulting disruptors, Dipteran, as for example cyromazine; M.18 Ecdyson receptor agonists such as diacylhydrazines, for example methoxyfenozide, tebufenozide, halofenozide, fufenozide or chromafenozide; M.19 Octopamin receptor agonists, as for example amitraz; M.20 Mitochondrial complex III electron transport inhibitors, for example M.20A hydramethylnon, or M.20B acequinocyl, or M.20C fluacrypyrim; M.21 Mitochondrial complex I electron transport inhibitors, for example M.21A METI acaricides and insecticides such as fenazaquin, fenpyroximate, pyrimidifen, pyridaben, tebufenpyrad or tolfenpyrad, or M.21B rotenone; M.22 Voltage-dependent sodium channel blockers, for example M.22A indoxacarb, or M.22B metaflumizone, or M.22B.1: 2-[2-(4-Cyanophenyl)-1-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethylidene]-N-[4-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-hydrazinecarboxamide or M.22B.2: N-(3-Chloro-2-methylphenyl)-2-[(4-chlorophenyl)[4-[methyl(methylsulfonyl)amino]phenyl]methylene]-hydrazinecarboxamide; M.23 Inhibitors of the of acetyl CoA carboxylase, such as Tetronic and Tetramic acid derivatives, for example spirodiclofen, spiromesifen or spirotetramat; M.24 Mitochondrial complex IV electron transport inhibitors, for example M.24A phosphine such as aluminium phosphide, calcium phosphide, phosphine or zinc phosphide, or M.24B cyanide; M.25 Mitochondrial complex II electron transport inhibitors, such as beta-ketonitrile derivatives, for example cyenopyrafen or cyflumetofen; M.28 Ryanodine receptor-modulators from the class of diamides, as for example flubendiamide, chlorantraniliprole (Rynaxypyr®), cyantraniliprole (Cyazypyr®), or the phthalamide compounds M.28.1: (R)-3-Chlor-N1-{2-methyl-4-[1,2,2,2 tetrafluor-1-(trifluormethyl)ethyl]phenyl}-N2-(1-methyl-2-methylsulfonylethyl)phthalamid and M.28.2: (S)-3-Chlor-N1-{2-methyl-4-[1,2,2,2 tetrafluor-1-(trifluormethyl)ethyl]phenyl}-N2-(1-methyl-2-methylsulfonylethyl)phthalamid, or the compound M.28.3: 3-bromo-N-{2-bromo-4-chloro-6-[(1-cyclopropylethyl)carbamoyl]phenyl}-1-(3-chlorpyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide (proposed ISO name: cyclaniliprole), or the compound M.28.4: methyl-2-[3,5-dibromo-2-({[3-bromo-1-(3-chlorpyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazol-5-yl]carbonyl}amino)benzoyl]-1,2-dimethylhydrazinecarboxylate; or a compound selected from M.28.5a) to M.28.5l): M.28.5a) N-[4,6-dichloro-2-[(diethyl-lambda-4-sulfanylidene)carbamoyl]-phenyl]-2-(3-chloro-2-pyridyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazole-3-carboxamide; M.28.5b) N-[4-chloro-2-[(diethyl-lambda-4-sulfanylidene)carbamoyl]-6-methyl-phenyl]-2-(3-chloro-2-pyridyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazole-3-carboxamide; M.28.5c) N-[4-chloro-2-[(di-2-propyl-lambda-4-sulfanylidene)carbamoyl]-6-methyl-phenyl]-2-(3-chloro-2-pyridyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazole-3-carboxamide; M.28.5d) N-[4,6-dichloro-2-[(di-2-propyl-lambda-4-sulfanylidene)carbamoyl]-phenyl]-2-(3-chloro-2-pyridyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazole-3-carboxamide; M.28.5e) N-[4,6-dichloro-2-[(diethyl-lambda-4-sulfanylidene)carbamoyl]-phenyl]-2-(3-chloro-2-pyridyl)-5-(difluoromethyl)pyrazole-3-carboxamide; M.28.5f) N-[4,6-dibromo-2-[(di-2-propyl-lambda-4-sulfanylidene)carbamoyl]-phenyl]-2-(3-chloro-2-pyridyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazole-3-carboxamide; M.28.5g) N-[4-chloro-2-[(di-2-propyl-lambda-4-sulfanylidene)carbamoyl]-6-cyano-phenyl]-2-(3-chloro-2-pyridyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazole-3-carboxamide; M.28.5h) N-[4,6-dibromo-2-[(diethyl-lambda-4-sulfanylidene)carbamoyl]-phenyl]-2-(3-chloro-2-pyridyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazole-3-carboxamide; M.28.5i) N-[2-(5-Amino-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)-4-chloro-6-methylphenyl]-3-bromo-1-(3-chloro-2-pyridinyl)-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide; M.28.5j) 3-Chloro-1-(3-chloro-2-pyridinyl)-N-[2,4-dichloro-6-[[(1-cyano-1-methylethyl)amino]carbonyl]phenyl]-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide; M.28.5k) 3-Bromo-N-[2,4-dichloro-6-(methylcarbamoyl)phenyl]-1-(3,5-dichloro-2-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide; M.28.5l) N-[4-Chloro-2-[[(1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]carbonyl]-6-methylphenyl]-1-(3-chloro-2-pyridinyl)-3-(fluoromethoxy)-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide; or a compound selected from M.28.6: N-(2-cyanopropan-2-yl)-N-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-3-iodobenzene-1,2-dicarboxamide; or M.28.7: 3-Chloro-N-(2-cyanopropan-2-yl)-N-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-benzene-1,2-dicarboxamide; M.28.8a) 1-(3-Chloro-2-pyridinyl)-N-[4-cyano-2-methyl-6-[(methylamino)carbonyl]phenyl]-3-[[5-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-tetrazol-2-yl]methyl]-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide; or M.28.8b) 1-(3-Chloro-2-pyridinyl)-N-[4-cyano-2-methyl-6-[(methylamino)carbonyl]phenyl]-3-[[5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-tetrazol-1-yl]methyl]-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide; M.UN. insecticidal active compounds of unknown or uncertain mode of action, as for example afidopyropen, afoxolaner, azadirachtin, amidoflumet, benzoximate, bifenazate, bromopropylate, chinomethionat, cryolite, dicofol, flufenerim, flometoquin, fluensulfone, fluopyram, flupyradifurone, fluralaner, metoxadiazone, piperonyl butoxide, pyflubumide, pyridalyl, pyrifluquinazon, sulfoxaflor, tioxazafen, triflumezopyrim, or the compounds M.UN.3: 11-(4-chloro-2,6-dimethylphenyl)-12-hydroxy-1,4-dioxa-9-azadispiro[4.2.4.2]-tetradec-11-en-10-one, or the compound M.UN.4: 3-(4′-fluoro-2,4-dimethylbiphenyl-3-yl)-4-hydroxy-8-oxa-1-azaspiro[4.5]dec-3-en-2-one, or the compound M.UN.5: 1-[2-fluoro-4-methyl-5-[(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)sulfinyl]phenyl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5-amine, or actives on basis of Bacillus firmus (Votivo, 1-1582); or a compound selected from the group of M.UN.6, wherein the compound is selected from M.UN.6a) to M.UN.6k): M.UN.6a) (E/Z)—N-[1-[(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)methyl]-2-pyridylidene]-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide; M.UN.6b) (E/Z)—N-[1-[(6-chloro-5-fluoro-3-pyridyl)methyl]-2-pyridylidene]-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide; M.UN.6c) (E/Z)-2,2,2-trifluoro-N-[1-[(6-fluoro-3-pyridyl)methyl]-2-pyridylidene]acetamide; M.UN.6d) (E/Z)—N-[1-[(6-bromo-3-pyridyl)methyl]-2-pyridylidene]-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide; M.UN.6e) (E/Z)—N-[1-[1-(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)ethyl]-2-pyridylidene]-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide; M.UN.6f) (E/Z)—N-[1-[(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)methyl]-2-pyridylidene]-2,2-difluoro-acetamide; M.UN.6g) (E/Z)-2-chloro-N-[1-[(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)methyl]-2-pyridylidene]-2,2-difluoro-acetamide; M.UN.6h) (E/Z)—N-[1-[(2-chloropyrimidin-5-yl)methyl]-2-pyridylidene]-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide; M.UN.6i) (E/Z)—N-[1-[(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)methyl]-2-pyridylidene]-2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropanamide); M.UN.6j) N-[1-[(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)methyl]-2-pyridylidene]-2,2,2-trifluoro-thioacetamide or of the compound M.UN.6k) N-[1-[(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)methyl]-2-pyridylidene]-2,2,2-trifluoro-N′-isopropyl-acetamidine or the compounds M.UN.8: 8-chloro-N-[2-chloro-5-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl]-6-trifluoromethyl)-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-2-carboxamide; or M.UN.9: 4-[5-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-isoxazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-N-(1-oxothietan-3-yl)benzamide; or M.UN.10: 5-[3-[2,6-dichloro-4-(3,3-dichloroallyloxy)phenoxy]propoxy]-1H-pyrazole; or a compound selected from the group of M.UN.11, wherein the compound is selected from M.UN.11a) to M.UN.11p): M.UN.11.a) 3-[benzoyl(methyl)amino]-N-[2-bromo-4-[1,2,2,2-tetrafluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl]-6-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-fluoro-benzamide; M.UN.11.b) 3-(benzoylmethylamino)-N-[2-bromo-4-[1,2,2,3,3,3-hexafluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)propyl]-6-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-fluoro-benzamide; M.UN.11.c) 3-(benzoylmethylamino)-2-fluoro-N-[2-iodo-4-[1,2,2,2-tetrafluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl]-6-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-benzamide; M.UN.11.d) N-[3-[[[2-iodo-4-[1,2,2,2-tetrafluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl]-6-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]amino]carbonyl]phenyl]-N-methyl-benzamide; M.UN.11.e) N-[3-[[[2-bromo-4-[1,2,2,2-tetrafluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl]-6-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]amino]carbonyl]-2-fluorophenyl]-4-fluoro-N-methyl-benzamide; M.UN.11.f) 4-fluoro-N-[2-fluoro-3-[[[2-iodo-4-[1,2,2,2-tetrafluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl]-6-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]amino]carbonyl]phenyl]-N-methyl-benzamide; M.UN.11.g) 3-fluoro-N-[2-fluoro-3-[[[2-iodo-4-[1,2,2,2-tetrafluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl]-6-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]amino]carbonyl]phenyl]-N-methyl-benzamide; M.UN.11.h) 2-chloro-N-[3-[[[2-iodo-4-[1,2,2,2-tetrafluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl]-6-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]amino]carbonyl]phenyl]-3-pyridinecarboxamide; M.UN.11.i) 4-cyano-N-[2-cyano-5-[[2,6-dibromo-4-[1,2,2,3,3,3-hexafluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)propyl]phenyl]carbamoyl]phenyl]-2-methyl-benzamide; M.UN.11.j) 4-cyano-3-[(4-cyano-2-methyl-benzoyl)amino]-N-[2,6-dichloro-4-[1,2,2,3,3,3-hexafluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)propyl]phenyl]-2-fluoro-benzamide; M.UN.11.k) N-[5-[[2-chloro-6-cyano-4-[1,2,2,3,3,3-hexafluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)propyl]phenyl]carbamoyl]-2-cyano-phenyl]-4-cyano-2-methyl-benzamide; M.UN.11.l) N-[5-[[2-bromo-6-chloro-4-[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-hydroxy-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl]phenyl]carbamoyl]-2-cyano-phenyl]-4-cyano-2-methyl-benzamide; M.UN.11.m) N-[5-[[2-bromo-6-chloro-4-[1,2,2,3,3,3-hexafluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)propyl]phenyl]carbamoyl]-2-cyano-phenyl]-4-cyano-2-methyl-benzamide; M.UN.11.n) 4-cyano-N-[2-cyano-5-[[2,6-dichloro-4-[1,2,2,3,3,3-hexafluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)propyl]phenyl]carbamoyl]phenyl]-2-methyl-benzamide; M.UN.11.o) 4-cyano-N-[2-cyano-5-[[2,6-dichloro-4-[1,2,2,2-tetrafluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl]phenyl]carbamoyl]phenyl]-2-methyl-benzamide; M.UN.11.p) N-[5-[[2-bromo-6-chloro-4-[1,2,2,2-tetrafluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl]phenyl]carbamoyl]-2-cyano-phenyl]-4-cyano-2-methyl-benzamide; or a compound selected from the group of M.UN.12, wherein the compound is selected from M.UN.12a) to M.UN.12m): M.UN.12.a) 2-(1,3-Dioxan-2-yl)-6-[2-(3-pyridinyl)-5-thiazolyl]-pyridine; M.UN.12.b) 2-[6-[2-(5-Fluoro-3-pyridinyl)-5-thiazolyl]-2-pyridinyl]-pyrimidine; M.UN.12.c) 2-[6-[2-(3-Pyridinyl)-5-thiazolyl]-2-pyridinyl]-pyrimidine; M.UN.12.d) N-Methylsulfonyl-6-[2-(3-pyridyl)thiazol-5-yl]pyridine-2-carboxamide M.UN.12.e) N-Methylsulfonyl-6-[2-(3-pyridyl)thiazol-5-yl]pyridine-2-carboxamide M.UN.12.f) N-Ethyl-N-[4-methyl-2-(3-pyridyl)thiazol-5-yl]-3-methylthio-propanamide M.UN.12.g) N-Methyl-N-[4-methyl-2-(3-pyridyl)thiazol-5-yl]-3-methylthio-propanamide M.UN.12.h) N,2-Dimethyl-N-[4-methyl-2-(3-pyridyl)thiazol-5-yl]-3-methylthio-propanamide M.UN.12.i) N-Ethyl-2-methyl-N-[4-methyl-2-(3-pyridyl)thiazol-5-yl]-3-methylthio-propanamide M.UN.12.j) N-[4-Chloro-2-(3-pyridyl)thiazol-5-yl]-N-ethyl-2-methyl-3-methylthio-propanamide M.UN.12.k) N-[4-Chloro-2-(3-pyridyl)thiazol-5-yl]-N,2-dimethyl-3-methylthio-propanamide M.UN.12.l) N-[4-Chloro-2-(3-pyridyl)thiazol-5-yl]-N-methyl-3-methylthio-propanamide M.UN.12.m) N-[4-Chloro-2-(3-pyridyl)thiazol-5-yl]-N-ethyl-3-methylthio-propanamide; or the compound M.UN.13: 2-(4-methoxyiminocyclohexyl)-2-(3,3,3-trifluoropropylsulfonyl)acetonitrile; or the compounds M.UN.14a) 1-[(6-Chloro-3-pyridinyl)methyl]-1,2,3,5,6,7-hexahydro-5-methoxy-7-methyl-8-nitro-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine; or M.UN.14b) 1-[(6-Chloropyridin-3-yl)methyl]-7-methyl-8-nitro-1,2,3,5,6,7-hexahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-5-ol; or the compound M.UN.15: 1-[(2-Chloro-1,3-thiazol-5-yl)methyl]-3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-9-methyl-4-oxo-4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-1-ium-2-olate.

The commercially available compounds of the group M listed above may be found in The Pesticide Manual, 15th Edition, C. D. S. Tomlin, British Crop Protection Council (2011) among other publications.

The neonicotinoid cycloxaprid is known from WO20120/069266 and WO2011/06946, and the neonicotinoid compound M.4A.2, sometimes also to be named as Guadipyr, is known from WO2013/003977, and the neonicotinoid compound M.4A.3. (approved as paichongding in China) is known from WO2010/069266. The Metaflumizone analogue M.22B.1 is described in CN 10171577 and the analogue M.22112 in CN102126994. The phthalamides M.28.1 and M.28.2 are both known from WO 2007/101540. The anthranilamide M.28.3 has been described in WO2005/077934. The hydrazide compound M.28.4 has been described in WO 2007/043677. The anthranilamides M.28.5a) to M.28.5h) can be prepared as described in WO 2007/006670, WO2013/024009 and WO2013/024010, the anthranilamide compound M.28.5i) is described in WO2011/085575, the compound M.28.5j) in WO2008/134969, the compound M.28.5k) in US2011/046186 and the compound M.28.5l) in WO2012/034403. The diamide compounds M.28.6 and M.28.7 can be found in CN102613183. The anthranilamide compounds M.28.8a) and M.28.8b) are known from WO2010/069502.

The quinoline derivative flometoquin is shown in WO2006/013896. The aminofuranone compounds flupyradifurone is known from WO 2007/115644. The sulfoximine compound sulfoxaflor is known from WO2007/149134. From the pyrethroids group momfluorothrin is known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,908,945 and heptafluthrin from WO10133098. The oxadiazolone compound metoxadiazone can be found in JP13/166707. The pyrazole acaricide pyflubumide is known from WO2007/020986. The isoxazoline compounds have been described in following publications: fluralaner in WO2005/085216, afoxolaner in WO2009/002809 and in WO2011/149749 and the isoxazoline compound M.UN.9 in WO2013/050317. The pyripyropene derivative afidopyropen has been described in WO 2006/129714. The nematicide tioxazafen has been disclosed in WO09023721 and nematicide fluopyram in WO2008126922, nematicidal mixtures comprising flupyram in WO2010108616. The triflumezopyrim compound was described in WO2012/092115.

The spiroketal-substituted cyclic ketoenol derivative M.UN.3 is known from WO2006/089633 and the biphenyl-substituted spirocyclic ketoenol derivative M.UN.4 from WO2008/067911. The triazoylphenylsulfide M.UN.5 has been described in WO2006/043635, and biological control agents on basis of Bacillus firmus in WO2009/124707.

The compounds M.UN.6a) to M.UN.6i) listed under M.UN.6 have been described in WO2012/029672 and compounds M.UN.6j) and M.UN.6k) in WO2013129688. The nematicide compound M.UN.8 in WO2013/055584 and the Pyridalyl-type analogue M.UN.10 in WO2010/060379. The carboxamide compounds M.UN.11.a) to M.UN.11.h) can be prepared as described in WO 2010/018714 and the carboxamide M.UN.11i) to M.UN.11.p) are described WO2010/127926. The pyridylthiazoles M.UN.12.a) to M.UN.12.c) are known from WO2010/006713, M.UN.12.c) and M.UN.12.d) WO2012000896 and M.UN.12.f) to M.UN.12.m) in WO2010129497. The malononitrile compound M.UN.13 was described in WO2009/005110. The compounds M.UN.14a) and M.UN.14b) are known from WO2007/101369. The compound M.UN.15 can be found in WO 2013/192035.

The following list F of active fungicidal substances, in conjunction with which the compounds according to the invention can be used, is intended to illustrate the possible combinations but does not limit them:

F.I) Respiration Inhibitors

F.I-1) Inhibitors of complex III at Qo site:

strobilurins: azoxystrobin, coumethoxystrobin, coumoxystrobin, dimoxystrobin, enestroburin, fluoxastrobin, kresoxim-methyl, metominostrobin, orysastrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, pyrametostrobin, pyraoxystrobin, pyribencarb, triclopyricarb/chlorodincarb, trifloxystrobin, 2-[2-(2,5-dimethyl-phenoxymethyl)-phenyl]-3-methoxy-acrylic acid methyl ester and 2 (2-(3-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-1-methylallylideneaminooxymethyl)-phenyl)-2-methoxyimino-N methyl-acetamide; oxazolidinediones and imidazolinones: famoxadone, fenamidone; F.I-2) Inhibitors of complex II (e.g. carboxamides): carboxanilides: benodanil, benzovindiflupyr, bixafen, boscalid, carboxin, fenfuram, fenhexamid, fluopyram, flutolanil, furametpyr, isopyrazam, isotianil, mepronil, oxycarboxin, penflufen, penthiopyrad, sedaxane, tecloftalam, thifluzamide, tiadinil, 2-amino-4 methyl-thiazole-5-carboxanilide, N-(3′,4′,5′ trifluorobiphenyl-2 yl)-3-difluoromethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4 carboxamide (fluxapyroxad), N-(4′-trifluoromethylthiobiphenyl-2-yl)-3 difluoromethyl-1-methyl-1H pyrazole-4-carboxamide, N-(2-(1,3,3-trimethyl-butyl)phenyl)-1,3-dimethyl-5 fluoro-1H-pyrazole-4 carboxamide, 3-(difluoromethyl)-1-methyl-N-(1,1,3-trimethylindan-4-yl)pyrazole-4-carboxamide, 3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-methyl-N-(1,1,3-trimethylindan-4-yl)pyrazole-4-carboxamide, 1,3-dimethyl-N-(1,1,3-trimethylindan-4-yl)pyrazole-4-carboxamide, 3-(trifluoromethyl)-1,5-dimethyl-N-(1,1,3-trimethylindan-4-yl)pyrazole-4-carboxamide, 3-(difluoromethyl)-1,5-dimethyl-N-(1,1,3-trimethylindan-4-yl)pyrazole-4-carboxamide, 1,3,5-trimethyl-N-(1,1,3-trimethylindan-4-yl)pyrazole-4-carboxamide, 3-(difluoromethyl)-1-methyl-N-(1,1,3-trimethylindan-4-yl)pyrazole-4-carboxamide, 3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-methyl-N-(1,1,3-trimethylindan-4-yl)pyrazole-4-carboxamide, 1,3-dimethyl-N-(1,1,3-trimethylindan-4-yl)pyrazole-4-carboxamide, 3-(trifluoromethyl)-1,5-dimethyl-N-(1,1,3-trimethylindan-4-yl)pyrazole-4-carboxamide, 3-(difluoromethyl)-1,5-dimethyl-N-(1,1,3-trimethylindan-4-yl)pyrazole-4-carboxamide, 1,3,5-trimethyl-N-(1,1,3-trimethylindan-4-yl)pyrazole-4-carboxamide; F.I-3) Inhibitors of complex III at Qi site: cyazofamid, amisulbrom, [(3S,6S,7R,8R)-8-benzyl-3-[(3-acetoxy-4-methoxy-pyridine-2-carbonyl)amino]-6-methyl-4,9-dioxo-1,5-dioxonan-7-yl]2-methylpropanoate, [(3S,6S,7R,8R)-8-benzyl-3-[[3-(acetoxymethoxy)-4-methoxy-pyridine-2-carbonyl]amino]-6-methyl-4,9-dioxo-1,5-dioxonan-7-yl]2-methylpropanoate, [(3S,6S,7R,8R)-8-benzyl-3-[(3-isobutoxycarbonyloxy-4-methoxy-pyridine-2-carbonyl)amino]-6-methyl-4,9-dioxo-1,5-dioxonan-7-yl]2-methylpropanoate, [(3S,6S,7R,8R)-8-benzyl-3-[[3-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethoxy)-4-methoxy-pyridine-2-carbonyl]amino]-6-methyl-4,9-dioxo-1,5-dioxonan-7-yl]2-methylpropanoate, 3S,6S,7R,8R)-3-[[(3-hydroxy-4-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)carbonyl]amino]-6-methyl-4,9-dioxo-8-(phenylmethyl)-1,5-dioxonan-7-yl 2-methylpropanoate; F.I-4) Other respiration inhibitors (complex I, uncouplers) diflumetorim; (5,8-difluoroquinazolin-4-yl)-{2-[2-fluoro-4-(4-trifluoromethylpyridin-2-yloxy)-phenyl]-ethyl}-amine; tecnazen; ferimzone; ametoctradin; silthiofam; nitrophenyl derivates: binapacryl, dinobuton, dinocap, fluazinam, nitrthal-isopropyl, and including organometal compounds: fentin salts, such as fentin-acetate, fentin chloride or fentin hydroxide; F.II) Sterol biosynthesis inhibitors (SBI fungicides) F.II-1) C14 demethylase inhibitors (DMI fungicides, e.g. triazoles, imidazoles) triazoles: azaconazole, bitertanol, bromuconazole, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, diniconazole, diniconazole-M, epoxiconazole, fenbuconazole, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flutriafol, hexaconazole, imibenconazole, ipconazole, metconazole, myclobutanil, paclobutrazole, penconazole, propiconazole, prothioconazole, simeconazole, tebuconazole, tetraconazole, triadimefon, triadimenol, triticonazole, uniconazole, 1-[rel-(2S; 3A)-3-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-oxiranylmethyl]-5-thiocyanato-1H-[1,2,4]triazole, 2-[rel-(2S,3A)-3-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-oxiranylmethyl]-2H-[1,2,4]triazole-3-thiol; imidazoles: imazalil, pefurazoate, oxpoconazole, prochloraz, triflumizole; pyrimidines, pyridines and piperazines: fenarimol, nuarimol, pyrifenox, triforine, 1-[rel-(2S; 3R)-3-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-oxiranylmethyl]-5-thiocyanato-1H[1,2,4]triazole, 2-[rel-(2S; 3R)-3-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-oxiranyImethyl]-2H-[1,2,4]triazole-3-thiol; F.II-2) Delta14-reductase inhitors (Amines, e.g. morpholines, piperidines) morpholines: aldimorph, dodemorph, dodemorph-acetate, fenpropimorph, tridemorph; piperidines: fenpropidin, piperalin; spiroketalamines: spiroxamine; F.II-3) Inhibitors of 3-keto reductase: hydroxyanilides: fenhexamid; F.III) Nucleic acid synthesis inhibitors F.III-1) RNA, DNA synthesis phenylamides or acyl amino acid fungicides: benalaxyl, benalaxyl-M, kiralaxyl, metalaxyl, metalaxyl-M (mefenoxam), ofurace, oxadixyl; isoxazoles and iosothiazolones: hymexazole, octhilinone; F.III-2) DNA topisomerase inhibitors: oxolinic acid; F.III-3) Nucleotide metabolism (e.g. adenosin-deaminase), hydroxy (2-amino)pyrimidines: bupirimate; F.IV) Inhibitors of cell division and or cytoskeleton F.IV-1) Tubulin inhibitors: benzimidazoles and thiophanates: benomyl, carbendazim, fuberidazole, thiabendazole, thiophanate-methyl; triazolopyrimidines: 5-chloro-7 (4-methylpiperidin-1-yl)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5 a]pyrimidine; F.IV-2) Other cell division inhibitors benzamides and phenyl acetamides: diethofencarb, ethaboxam, pencycuron, fluopicolide, zoxamide; F.IV-3) Actin inhibitors: benzophenones: metrafenone, pyriofenone; F.V) Inhibitors of amino acid and protein synthesis F.V-1) Methionine synthesis inhibitors (anilino-pyrimidines) anilino-pyrimidines: cyprodinil, mepanipyrim, nitrapyrin, pyrimethanil; F.V-2) Protein synthesis inhibitors (anilino-pyrimidines) antibiotics: blasticidin-S, kasugamycin, kasugamycin hydrochloride-hydrate, mildiomycin, streptomycin, oxytetracyclin, polyoxine, validamycin A; F.VI) Signal transduction inhibitors F.VI-1) MAP/Histidine kinase inhibitors (e.g. anilino-pyrimidines) dicarboximides: fluoroimid, iprodione, procymidone, vinclozolin; phenylpyrroles: fenpiclonil, fludioxonil; F.VI-2) G protein inhibitors: quinolines: quinoxyfen; F.VII) Lipid and membrane synthesis inhibitors F.VII-1) Phospholipid biosynthesis inhibitors organophosphorus compounds: edifenphos, iprobenfos, pyrazophos; dithiolanes: isoprothiolane; F.VII-2) Lipid peroxidation: aromatic hydrocarbons: dicloran, quintozene, tecnazene, tolclofos-methyl, biphenyl, chloroneb, etridiazole; F.VII-3) Carboxyl acid amides (CAA fungicides) cinnamic or mandelic acid amides: dimethomorph, flumorph, mandiproamid, pyrimorph; valinamide carbamates: benthiavalicarb, iprovalicarb, pyribencarb, valifenalate and N-(1-(1-(4-cyano-phenyl)ethanesulfonyl)-but-2-yl) carbamic acid-(4-fluorophenyl) ester; F.VII-4) Compounds affecting cell membrane permeability and fatty acids: 1-[4-[4-[5-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-3-isoxazolyl]-2-thiazolyl]-1-piperidinyl]-2-[5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]ethanone, carbamates: propamocarb, propamocarb-hydrochlorid; F.VII-5) fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors: 1-[4-[4-[5-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-3-isoxazolyl]-2-thiazolyl]-1-piperidinyl]-2-[5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]ethanone; F.VIII) Inhibitors with Multi Site Action F.VIII-1) Inorganic active substances: Bordeaux mixture, copper acetate, copper hydroxide, copper oxychloride, basic copper sulfate, sulfur; F.VIII-2) Thio- and dithiocarbamates: ferbam, mancozeb, maneb, metam, methasulphocarb, metiram, propineb, thiram, zineb, ziram; F.VIII-3) Organochlorine compounds (e.g. phthalimides, sulfamides, chloronitriles): anilazine, chlorothalonil, captafol, captan, folpet, dichlofluanid, dichlorophen, flusulfamide, hexachlorobenzene, pentachlorphenole and its salts, phthalide, tolylfluanid, N-(4-chloro-2-nitro-phenyl)-N-ethyl-4-methyl-benzenesulfonamide; F.VIII-4) Guanidines and other: guanidine, dodine, dodine free base, guazatine, guazatine-acetate, iminoctadine, iminoctadine-triacetate, iminoctadine-tris(albesilate), 2,6-dimethyl-1H,5H-[1,4]dithiino[2,3-c:5,6-c′]dipyrrole-1,3,5,7(2H,6H)-tetraone; F.VIII-5) Ahtraquinones: dithianon; F.IX) Cell wall synthesis inhibitors F.IX-1) Inhibitors of glucan synthesis: validamycin, polyoxin B; F.IX-2) Melanin synthesis inhibitors: pyroquilon, tricyclazole, carpropamide, dicyclomet, fenoxanil; F.X) Plant defence inducers F.X-1) Salicylic acid pathway: acibenzolar-S-methyl; F.X-2) Others: probenazole, isotianil, tiadinil, prohexadione-calcium; phosphonates: fosetyl, fosetyl-aluminum, phosphorous acid and its salts; F.XI) Unknown mode of action: bronopol, chinomethionat, cyflufenamid, cymoxanil, dazomet, debacarb, diclomezine, difenzoquat, difenzoquat-methylsulfate, diphenylamin, fenpyrazamine, flumetover, flusulfamide, flutianil, methasulfocarb, nitrapyrin, nitrothal-isopropyl, oxathiapiprolin, oxin-copper, proquinazid, tebufloquin, tecloftalam, triazoxide, 2-butoxy-6-iodo-3-propylchromen-4-one, N-(cyclopropylmethoxyimino-(6-difluoro-methoxy-2,3-difluoro-phenyl)-methyl)-2-phenyl acetamide, N′-(4-(4-chloro-3-trifluoromethyl-phenoxy)-2,5-dimethyl-phenyl)-N-ethyl-N methyl formamidine, N′ (4-(4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethyl-phenoxy)-2,5-dimethyl-phenyl)-N-ethyl-N-methyl formamidine, N′-(2-methyl-5-trifluoromethyl-4-(3-trimethylsilanyl-propoxy)-phenyl)-N-ethyl-N-methyl formamidine, N′-(5-difluoromethyl-2 methyl-4-(3-trimethylsilanyl-propoxy)-phenyl)-N-ethyl-N-methyl formamidine, 2-{1-[2-(5-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazole-1-yl)-acetyl]-piperidin-4-yl}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl)amide, 2-{1-[2-(5-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazole-1-yl)-acetyl]-piperidin-4-yl}-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl-(R)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl-amide, methoxy-acetic acid 6-tert-butyl-8-fluoro-2,3-dimethyl-quinolin-4-yl ester and N-Methyl-2-{1-[(5-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-acetyl]-piperidin-4-yl}-N-[(1R)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl]-4-thiazolecarboxamide, 3-[5-(4-chloro-phenyl)-2,3-dimethylisoxazolidin-3 yl]-pyridine, pyrisoxazole, 5-amino-2-isopropyl-3-oxo-4-ortho-tolyl-2,3-dihydro-pyrazole-1 carbothioic acid S-allyl ester, N-(6-methoxy-pyridin-3-yl) cyclopropanecarboxylic acid amide, 5-chloro-1 (4,6-dimethoxy-pyrimidin-2-yl)-2-methyl-1H-benzoimidazole, 2-(4-chloro-phenyl)-N-[4-(3,4-dimethoxy-phenyl)-isoxazol-5-yl]-2-prop-2-ynyloxy-acetamide. F.XI) Growth regulators: abscisic acid, amidochlor, ancymidol, 6-benzylaminopurine, brassinolide, butralin, chlormequat (chlormequat chloride), choline chloride, cyclanilide, daminozide, dikegulac, dimethipin, 2,6-dimethylpuridine, ethephon, flumetralin, flurprimidol, fluthiacet, forchlorfenuron, gibberellic acid, inabenfide, indole-3-acetic acid, maleic hydrazide, mefluidide, mepiquat (mepiquat chloride), naphthaleneacetic acid, N 6-benzyladenine, paclobutrazol, prohexadione (prohexadione-calcium), prohydrojasmon, thidiazuron, triapenthenol, tributyl phosphorotrithioate, 2,3,5 tri iodobenzoic acid, trinexapac-ethyl and uniconazole; F.XII) Biological control agents Ampelomyces quisqualis (e.g. AQ 10® from Intrachem Bio GmbH & Co. KG, Germany), Aspergillus flavus (e.g. AFLAGUARD® from Syngenta, CH), Aureobasidium pullulans (e.g. BOTECTOR® from bio-ferm GmbH, Germany), Bacillus pumilus (e.g. NRRL Accession No. B-30087 in SONATA® and BALLAD® Plus from AgraQuest Inc., USA), Bacillus subtilis (e.g. isolate NRRL-Nr. B-21661 in RHAPSODY®, SERENADE® MAX and SERENADE® ASO from AgraQuest Inc., USA), Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens FZB24 (e.g. TAEGRO® from Novozyme Biologicals, Inc., USA), Candida oleophila I-82 (e.g. ASPIRE® from Ecogen Inc., USA), Candida saitoana (e.g. BIOCURE® (in mixture with lysozyme) and BIOCOAT® from Micro Flo Company, USA (BASF SE) and Arysta), Chitosan (e.g. ARMOUR-ZEN from BotriZen Ltd., NZ), Clonostachys rosea f. catenulata, also named Gliocladium catenulatum (e.g. isolate J1446: PRESTOP® from Verdera, Finland), Coniothyrium minitans (e.g. CONTANS® from Prophyta, Germany), Cryphonectria parasitica (e.g. Endothia parasitica from CNICM, France), Cryptococcus albidus (e.g. YIELD PLUS® from Anchor Bio-Technologies, South Africa), Fusarium oxysporum (e.g. BIOFOX® from S.I.A.P.A., Italy, FUSACLEAN® from Natural Plant Protection, France), Metschnikowia fructicola (e.g. SHEMER® from Agrogreen, Israel), Microdochium dimerum (e.g. ANTIBOT® from Agrauxine, France), Phlebiopsis gigantea (e.g. ROTSOP® from Verdera, Finland), Pseudozyma flocculosa (e.g. SPORODEX® from Plant Products Co. Ltd., Canada), Pythium oligandrum DV74 (e.g. POLYVERSUM® from Remeslo SSRO, Biopreparaty, Czech Rep.), Reynoutria sachlinensis (e.g. REGALIA® from Marrone BioInnovations, USA), Talaromyces flavus V117b (e.g. PROTUS® from Prophyta, Germany), Trichoderma asperellum SKT-1 (e.g. ECO-HOPE® from Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Japan), T. atroviride LC52 (e.g. SENTINEL® from Agrimm Technologies Ltd, NZ), T. harzianum T-22 (e.g. PLANTSHIELD® der Firma BioWorks Inc., USA), T. harzianum TH 35 (e.g. ROOT PRO® from Mycontrol Ltd., Israel), T. harzianum T-39 (e.g. TRICHODEX® and TRICHODERMA 2000® from Mycontrol Ltd., Israel and Makhteshim Ltd., Israel), T. harzianum and T. viride (e.g. TRICHOPEL from Agrimm Technologies Ltd, NZ), T. harzianum ICC012 and T. viride ICC080 (e.g. REMEDIER® WP from Isagro Ricerca, Italy), T. polysporum and T. harzianum (e.g. BINAB® from BINAB Bio-Innovation AB, Sweden), T. stromaticum (e.g. TRICOVAB® from C.E.P.L.A.C., Brazil), T. virens GL-21 (e.g. SOILGARD® from Certis LLC, USA), T. viride (e.g. TRIECO® from Ecosense Labs. (India) Pvt. Ltd., Indien, BIOCURE® F from T. Stanes & Co. Ltd., Indien), T. viride TV1 (e.g. T. viride TV1 from Agribiotec srl, Italy), Ulocladium oudemansii HRU3 (e.g. BOTRY-ZEN® from Botry-Zen Ltd, NZ).

The animal pest, i.e. the insects, arachnids and nematodes, the plant, soil or water in which the plant is growing can be contacted with the present compounds of formula (I) or composition(s) containing them by any application method known in the art. As such, “contacting” includes both direct contact (applying the compounds/compositions directly on the animal pest or plant, typically to the foliage, stem or roots of the plant) and indirect contact (applying the compounds/compositions to the locus of the animal pest or plant).

The compounds of formula (I) or the pesticidal compositions comprising them may be used to protect growing plants and crops from attack or infestation by animal pests, especially insects, acaridae or arachnids by contacting the plant/crop with a pesticidally effective amount of compounds of formula (I). The term “crop” refers both to growing and harvested crops.

The compounds of the present invention and the compositions comprising them are particularly important in the control of a multitude of insects on various cultivated plants, such as cereal, root crops, oil crops, vegetables, spices, ornamentals, for example seed of durum and other wheat, barley, oats, rye, maize (fodder maize and sugar maize/sweet and field corn), soybeans, oil crops, crucifers, cotton, sunflowers, bananas, rice, oilseed rape, turnip rape, sugar beet, fodder beet, eggplants, potatoes, grass, lawn, turf, fodder grass, tomatoes, leeks, pumpkin/squash, cabbage, iceberg lettuce, pepper, cucumbers, melons, Brassica species, melons, beans, peas, garlic, onions, carrots, tuberous plants such as potatoes, sugar cane, tobacco, grapes, petunias, geranium/pelargoniums, pansies and impatiens.

The compounds of the present invention are employed as such or in form of compositions by treating the insects or the plants, plant propagation materials, such as seeds, soil, surfaces, materials or rooms to be protected from insecticidal attack with an insecticidally effective amount of the compound of formula (I). The application can be carried out both before and after the infection of the plants, plant propagation materials, such as seeds, soil, surfaces, materials or rooms by the insects.

The present invention also includes a method of combating animal pests which comprises contacting the animal pests, their habit, breeding ground, food supply, cultivated plants, seed, soil, area, material or environment in which the animal pests are growing or may grow, or the materials, plants, seeds, soils, surfaces or spaces to be protected from animal attack or infestation with a pesticidally effective amount of a mixture of at least one compound of formula (I).

Moreover, animal pests may be controlled by contacting the target pest, its food supply, habitat, breeding ground or its locus with a pesticidally effective amount of compounds of formula (I). As such, the application may be carried out before or after the infection of the locus, growing crops, or harvested crops by the pest.

The compounds of the invention can also be applied preventively to places at which occurrence of the pests is expected.

The compounds of formula (I) may be also used to protect growing plants from attack or infestation by pests by contacting the plant with a pesticidally effective amount of compounds of formula (I). As such, “contacting” includes both direct contact (applying the compounds/compositions directly on the pest and/or plant—typically to the foliage, stem or roots of the plant) and indirect contact (applying the compounds/compositions to the locus of the pest and/or plant).

“Locus” means a habitat, breeding ground, plant, seed, soil, area, material or environment in which a pest or parasite is growing or may grow.

The term “plant propagation material” is to be understood to denote all the generative parts of the plant such as seeds and vegetative plant material such as cuttings and tubers (e.g. potatoes), which can be used for the multiplication of the plant. This includes seeds, roots, fruits, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes, shoots, sprouts and other parts of plants. Seedlings and young plants, which are to be transplanted after germination or after emergence from soil, may also be included. These plant propagation materials may be treated prophylactically with a plant protection compound either at or before planting or transplanting.

The term “cultivated plants” is to be understood as including plants which have been modified by breeding, mutagenesis or genetic engineering. Genetically modified plants are plants, which genetic material has been so modified by the use of recombinant DNA techniques that under natural circumstances cannot readily be obtained by cross breeding, mutations or natural recombination. Typically, one or more genes have been integrated into the genetic material of a genetically modified plant in order to improve certain properties of the plant. Such genetic modifications also include but are not limited to targeted post-transtional modification of protein(s) (oligo- or polypeptides) poly for example by glycosylation or polymer additions such as prenylated, acetylated or farnesylated moieties or PEG moieties (e.g. as disclosed in Biotechnol Prog. 2001 July-August; 17(4):720-8., Protein Eng Des Sel. 2004 January; 17(1):57-66, Nat Protoc. 2007; 2(5):1225-35., Curr Opin Chem Biol. 2006 October; 10(5):487-91. Epub 2006 Aug. 28, Biomaterials. 2001 March; 22(5):405-17, Bioconjug Chem. 2005 January-February; 16(1):113-21). The term “cultivated plants” is to be understood also including plants that have been rendered tolerant to applications of specific classes of herbicides, such as hydroxy-phenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) inhibitors; acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors, such as sulfonyl ureas (see e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,222,100, WO 01/82685, WO 00/26390, WO 97/41218, WO 98/02526, WO 98/02527, WO 04/106529, WO 05/20673, WO 03/14357, WO 03/13225, WO 03/14356, WO 04/16073) or imidazolinones (see e. g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,222,100, WO 01/82685, WO 00/26390, WO 97/41218, WO 98/02526, WO 98/02527, WO 04/106529, WO 05/20673, WO 03/14357, WO 03/13225, WO 03/14356, WO 04/16073); enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) inhibitors, such as glyphosate (see e.g. WO 92/00377); glutamine synthetase (GS) inhibitors, such as glufosinate (see e.g. EP-A-0242236, EP-A-242246) or oxynil herbicides (see e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 5,559,024) as a result of conventional methods of breeding or genetic engineering. Several cultivated plants have been rendered tolerant to herbicides by conventional methods of breeding (mutagenesis), for example Clearfield® summer rape (Canola) being tolerant to imidazolinones, e.g. imazamox. Genetic engineering methods have been used to render cultivated plants, such as soybean, cotton, corn, beets and rape, tolerant to herbicides, such as glyphosate and glufosinate, some of which are commercially available under the trade names RoundupReady® (glyphosate) and LibertyLink® (glufosinate).

The term “cultivated plants” is to be understood also including plants that are by the use of recombinant DNA techniques capable to synthesize one or more insecticidal proteins, especially those known from the bacterial genus Bacillus, particularly from Bacillus thuringiensis, such as a-endotoxins, e.g. CryIA(b), CryIA(c), CryIF, CryIF(a2), CryIIA(b), CryIIIA, CryIIIB(b1) or Cry9c; vegetative insecticidal proteins (VIP), e.g. VIP1, VIP2, VIP3 or VIP3A; insecticidal proteins of bacteria colonizing nematodes, for example Photorhabdus spp. or Xenorhabdus spp.; toxins produced by animals, such as scorpion toxins, arachnid toxins, wasp toxins, or other insect-specific neurotoxins; toxins produced by fungi, such Streptomycetes toxins, plant lectins, such as pea or barley lectins; agglutinins; proteinase inhibitors, such as trypsin inhibitors, serine protease inhibitors, patatin, cystatin or papain inhibitors; ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIP), such as ricin, maize-RIP, abrin, luffin, saporin or bryodin; steroid metabolism enzymes, such as 3-hydroxysteroid oxidase, ecdysteroid-IDP-glycosyl-transferase, cholesterol oxidases, ecdysone inhibitors or HMG-CoA-reductase; ion channel blockers, such as blockers of sodium or calcium channels; juvenile hormone esterase; diuretic hormone receptors (helicokinin receptors); stilben synthase, bibenzyl synthase, chitinases or glucanases. In the context of the present invention these insecticidal proteins or toxins are to be understood expressly also as pre-toxins, hybrid proteins, truncated or otherwise modified proteins. Hybrid proteins are characterized by a new combination of protein domains, (see, for example WO 02/015701). Further examples of such toxins or genetically-modified plants capable of synthesizing such toxins are disclosed, for example, in EP-A 374 753, WO 93/007278, WO 95/34656, EP-A 427 529, EP-A 451 878, WO 03/018810 and WO 03/052073. The methods for producing such genetically modified plants are generally known to the person skilled in the art and are described, for example, in the publications mentioned above. These insecticidal proteins contained in the genetically modified plants impart to the plants producing these proteins protection from harmful pests from certain taxonomic groups of arthropods, particularly to beetles (Coleoptera), flies (Diptera), and butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) and to plant parasitic nematodes (Nematoda).

The term “cultivated plants” is to be understood also including plants that are by the use of recombinant DNA techniques capable to synthesize one or more proteins to increase the resistance or tolerance of those plants to bacterial, viral or fungal pathogens. Examples of such proteins are the so-called “pathogenesis-related proteins” (PR proteins, see, for example EP-A 0 392 225), plant disease resistance genes (for example potato cultivars, which express resistance genes acting against Phytophthora infestans derived from the mexican wild potato Solanum bulbocastanum) or T4-lyso-zym (e.g. potato cultivars capable of synthesizing these proteins with increased resistance against bacteria such as Erwinia amylvora). The methods for producing such genetically modified plants are generally known to the person skilled in the art and are described, for example, in the publications mentioned above.

The term “cultivated plants” is to be understood also including plants that are by the use of recombinant DNA techniques capable to synthesize one or more proteins to increase the productivity (e.g. bio mass production, grain yield, starch content, oil content or protein content), tolerance to drought, salinity or other growth-limiting environ-mental factors or tolerance to pests and fungal, bacterial or viral pathogens of those plants.

The term “cultivated plants” is to be understood also including plants that contain by the use of recombinant DNA techniques a modified amount of substances of content or new substances of content, specifically to improve human or animal nutrition, for example oil crops that produce health-promoting long-chain omega-3 fatty acids or unsaturated omega-9 fatty acids (e.g. Nexera® rape).

The term “cultivated plants” is to be understood also including plants that contain by the use of recombinant DNA techniques a modified amount of substances of content or new substances of content, specifically to improve raw material production, for example potatoes that produce increased amounts of amylopectin (e.g. Amflora® potato).

In general, “pesticidally effective amount” means the amount of active ingredient (here of compound of formula (I)) needed to achieve an observable effect on growth, including the effects of necrosis, death, retardation, prevention, and removal, destruction, or otherwise diminishing the occurrence and activity of the target organism. The pesticidally effective amount can vary for the various compounds/compositions used in the invention. A pesticidally effective amount of the compositions will also vary according to the prevailing conditions such as desired pesticidal effect and duration, weather, target species, locus, mode of application, and the like.

In the case of soil treatment or of application to the pests dwelling place or nest, the quantity of active ingredient ranges from 0.0001 to 500 g per 100 m², preferably from 0.001 to 20 g per 100 m².

Customary application rates in the protection of materials are, for example, from 0.01 g to 1000 g of active ingredient per m² treated material, desirably from 0.1 g to 50 g per m².

Insecticidal compositions for use in the impregnation of materials typically contain from 0.001 to 95 weight %, preferably from 0.1 to 45 weight %, and more preferably from 1 to 25 weight % of at least one repellent and/or insecticide.

For use in treating crop plants, the rate of application of the active ingredients of this invention may be in the range of 0.1 g to 4000 g per hectare, desirably from 25 g to 600 g per hectare, more desirably from 50 g to 500 g per hectare.

The compounds of formula (I) are effective through both contact (via soil, glass, wall, bed net, carpet, plant parts or animal parts), and ingestion (bait, or plant part).

The compounds of the invention may also be applied against non-crop insect pests, such as ants, termites, wasps, flies, mosquitos, crickets, or cockroaches. For use against said non-crop pests, compounds of formula (I) are preferably used in a bait composition.

The bait can be a liquid, a solid or a semisolid preparation (e.g. a gel). Solid baits can be formed into various shapes and forms suitable to the respective application e.g. granules, blocks, sticks, disks. Liquid baits can be filled into various devices to ensure proper application, e.g. open containers, spray devices, droplet sources, or evaporation sources. Gels can be based on aqueous or oily matrices and can be formulated to particular necessities in terms of stickiness, moisture retention or aging characteristics. The bait employed in the composition is a product, which is sufficiently attractive to incite insects such as ants, termites, wasps, flies, mosquitos, crickets etc. or cockroaches to eat it. The attractiveness can be manipulated by using feeding stimulants or sex pheromones. Food stimulants are chosen, for example, but not exclusively, from animal and/or plant proteins (meat-, fish- or blood meal, insect parts, egg yolk), from fats and oils of animal and/or plant origin, or mono-, oligo- or polyorganosaccharides, especially from sucrose, lactose, fructose, dextrose, glucose, starch, pectin or even molasses or honey. Fresh or decaying parts of fruits, crops, plants, animals, insects or specific parts thereof can also serve as a feeding stimulant. Sex pheromones are known to be more insect specific. Specific pheromones are described in the literature and are known to those skilled in the art.

For use in bait compositions, the typical content of active ingredient is from 0.001 weight % to 15 weight %, desirably from 0.001 weight % to 5% weight % of active ingredient.

Formulations of compounds of formula (I) as aerosols (e.g. in spray cans), oil sprays or pump sprays are highly suitable for the non-professional user for controlling pests such as flies, fleas, ticks, mosquitos or cockroaches. Aerosol recipes are preferably composed of the active ingredient, solvents such as lower alcohols (e.g. methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol), ketones (e.g. acetone, methyl ethyl ketone), paraffin hydrocarbons (e.g. kerosenes) having boiling ranges of approximately 50 to 250° C., dimethylformamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, dimethyl sulfoxide, aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene, xylene, water, furthermore auxiliaries such as emulsifiers such as sorbitol monooleate, oleyl ethoxylate having 3-7 mol of ethylene oxide, fatty alcohol ethoxylate, perfume oils such as ethereal oils, esters of medium fatty acids with lower alcohols, aromatic carbonyl compounds, if appropriate stabilizers such as sodium benzoate, amphoteric surfactants, lower epoxides, triethyl orthoformate and, if required, propellants such as propane, butane, nitrogen, compressed air, dimethyl ether, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, or mixtures of these gases.

The oil spray formulations differ from the aerosol recipes in that no propellants are used.

For use in spray compositions, the content of active ingredient is from 0.001 to 80 weights %, preferably from 0.01 to 50 weight % and most preferably from 0.01 to 15 weight %.

The compound of formula (I) and its respective compositions can also be used in mosquito and fumigating coils, smoke cartridges, vaporizer plates or long-term vaporizers and also in moth papers, moth pads or other heat-independent vaporizer systems.

Methods to control infectious diseases transmitted by insects (e.g. malaria, dengue and yellow fever, lymphatic filariasis, and leishmaniasis) with compounds of formula (I) and its respective compositions also comprise treating surfaces of huts and houses, air spraying and impregnation of curtains, tents, clothing items, bed nets, tsetse-fly trap or the like. Insecticidal compositions for application to fibers, fabric, knitgoods, nonwovens, netting material or foils and tarpaulins preferably comprise a mixture including the insecticide, optionally a repellent and at least one binder. Suitable repellents for example are N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), N,N-diethylphenylacetamide (DEPA), 1-(3-cyclohexan-1-yl-carbonyl)-2-methylpiperine, (2-hydroxymethylcyclohexyl) acetic acid lactone, 2-ethyl-1,3-hexandiol, indalone, Methylneodecanamide (MNDA), a pyrethroid not used for insect control such as {(+/−)-3-allyl-2-methyl-4-oxocyclopent-2-(+)-enyl-(+)-trans-chrysantennate (Esbiothrin), a repellent derived from or identical with plant extracts like limonene, eugenol, (+)-Eucamalol (1), (−)-1-epi-eucannalol or crude plant extracts from plants like Eucalyptus maculata, Vitex rotundifolia, Cymbopogan martinii, Cymbopogan citratus (lemon grass), Cymopogan nartdus (citronella). Suitable binders are selected for example from polymers and copolymers of vinyl esters of aliphatic acids (such as such as vinyl acetate and vinyl versatate), acrylic and methacrylic esters of alcohols, such as butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexylacrylate, and methyl acrylate, mono- and di-ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbons, such as styrene, and aliphatic diens, such as butadiene.

The impregnation of curtains and bednets is done in general by dipping the textile material into emulsions or dispersions of the insecticide or spraying them onto the nets.

The compound of formula (I) and its compositions can be used for protecting wooden materials such as trees, board fences, sleepers, etc. and buildings such as houses, outhouses, factories, but also construction materials, furniture, leathers, fibers, vinyl articles, electric wires and cables etc. from ants and/or termites, and for controlling ants and termites from doing harm to crops or human being (e.g. when the pests invade into houses and public facilities). The compounds of formula (I) are applied not only to the surrounding soil surface or into the under-floor soil in order to protect wooden materials but it can also be applied to lumbered articles such as surfaces of the under-floor concrete, alcove posts, beams, plywoods, furniture, etc., wooden articles such as particle boards, half boards, etc. and vinyl articles such as coated electric wires, vinyl sheets, heat insulating material such as styrene foams, etc. In case of application against ants doing harm to crops or human beings, the ant controller of the present invention is applied to the crops or the surrounding soil, or is directly applied to the nest of ants or the like.

The compounds of formula (I) are also suitable for the treatment of seeds in order to protect the seed from insect pest, in particular from soil-living insect pests and the resulting plant's roots and shoots against soil pests and foliar insects.

The compounds of formula (I) are particularly useful for the protection of the seed from soil pests and the resulting plants roots and shoots against soil pests and foliar insects. The protection of the resulting plants roots and shoots is preferred. More preferred is the protection of resulting plants shoots from piercing and sucking insects, wherein the protection from aphids is most preferred.

The present invention therefore comprises a method for the protection of seeds from insects, in particular from soil insects and of the seedling's roots and shoots from insects, in particular from soil and foliar insects, said method comprising contacting the seeds before sowing and/or after pregermination with a compound of the general formula (I) or a salt thereof. Particularly preferred is a method, wherein the plants roots and shoots are protected, more preferably a method, wherein the plants shoots are protected from piercing and sucking insects, most preferably a method, wherein the plants shoots are protected from aphids.

The term seed embraces seeds and plant propagules of all kinds including but not limited to true seeds, seed pieces, suckers, corms, bulbs, fruit, tubers, grains, cuttings, cut shoots and the like and means in a preferred embodiment true seeds.

The term seed treatment comprises all suitable seed treatment techniques known in the art, such as seed dressing, seed coating, seed dusting, seed soaking and seed pelleting.

The present invention also comprises seeds coated with or containing the compound of formula (I). The term “coated with and/or containing” generally signifies that the active ingredient is for the most part on the surface of the propagation product at the time of application, although a greater or lesser part of the ingredient may penetrate into the propagation product, depending on the method of application. When the said propagation product is (re)planted, it may absorb the active ingredient.

Suitable seed is seed of cereals, root crops, oil crops, vegetables, spices, ornamentals, for example seed of durum and other wheat, barley, oats, rye, maize (fodder maize and sugar maize/sweet and field corn), soybeans, oil crops, crucifers, cotton, sunflowers, bananas, rice, oilseed rape, turnip rape, sugar beet, fodder beet, eggplants, potatoes, grass, lawn, turf, fodder grass, tomatoes, leeks, pumpkin/squash, cabbage, iceberg lettuce, pepper, cucumbers, melons, Brassica species, melons, beans, peas, garlic, onions, carrots, tuberous plants such as potatoes, sugar cane, tobacco, grapes, petunias, geranium/pelargoniums, pansies and impatiens.

In addition, the compound of formula (I) may also be used for the treatment seeds from plants, which tolerate the action of herbicides or fungicides or insecticides owing to breeding, including genetic engineering methods.

For example, the compound of formula (I) can be employed in treatment of seeds from plants, which are resistant to herbicides from the group consisting of the sulfonylureas, imidazolinones, glufosinate-ammonium or glyphosate-isopropylammonium and analogous active substances (see for example, EP-A-0242236, EP-A-242246) (WO 92/00377) (EP-A-0257993, U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,659) or in transgenic crop plants, for example cotton, with the capability of producing Bacillus thuringiensis toxins (Bt toxins) which make the plants resistant to certain pests (EP-A-0142924, EP-A-0193259), Furthermore, the compound of formula (I) can be used also for the treatment of seeds from plants, which have modified characteristics in comparison with existing plants consist, which can be generated for example by traditional breeding methods and/or the generation of mutants, or by recombinant procedures). For example, a number of cases have been described of recombinant modifications of crop plants for the purpose of modifying the starch synthesized in the plants (e.g. WO 92/11376, WO 92/14827, WO 91/19806) or of transgenic crop plants having a modified fatty acid composition (WO 91/13972).

The seed treatment application of the compound of formula (I) is carried out by spraying or by dusting the seeds before sowing of the plants and before emergence of the plants.

Compositions which are especially useful for seed treatment are e.g.:

A Soluble concentrates (SL, LS)

D Emulsions (EW, EO, ES)

E Suspensions (SC, OD, FS)

F Water-dispersible granules and water-soluble granules (WG, SG)

G Water-dispersible powders and water-soluble powders (WP, SP, WS)

H Gel-Formulations (GF)

I Dustable powders (DP, DS)

Conventional seed treatment formulations include for example flowable concentrates FS, solutions LS, powders for dry treatment DS, water dispersible powders for slurry treatment WS, water-soluble powders SS and emulsion ES and EC and gel formulation GF. These formulations can be applied to the seed diluted or undiluted. Application to the seeds is carried out before sowing, either directly on the seeds or after having pregerminated the latter

In a preferred embodiment a FS formulation is used for seed treatment. Typically, a FS formulation may comprise 1-800 g/l of active ingredient, 1-200 g/l Surfactant, 0 to 200 g/I antifreezing agent, 0 to 400 g/l of binder, 0 to 200 g/l of a pigment and up to 1 liter of a solvent, preferably water.

Especially preferred FS formulations of compounds of formula (I) for seed treatment usually comprise from 0.1 to 80% by weight (1 to 800 g/I) of the active ingredient, from 0.1 to 20% by weight (1 to 200 g/I) of at least one surfactant, e.g. 0.05 to 5% by weight of a wetter and from 0.5 to 15% by weight of a dispersing agent, up to 20% by weight, e.g. from 5 to 20% of an anti-freeze agent, from 0 to 15% by weight, e.g. 1 to 15% by weight of a pigment and/or a dye, from 0 to 40% by weight, e.g. 1 to 40% by weight of a binder (sticker/adhesion agent), optionally up to 5% by weight, e.g. from 0.1 to 5% by weight of a thickener, optionally from 0.1 to 2% of an anti-foam agent, and optionally a preservative such as a biocide, antioxidant or the like, e.g. in an amount from 0.01 to 1% by weight and a filler/vehicle up to 100% by weight.

Seed Treatment formulations may additionally also comprise binders and optionally colorants.

Binders can be added to improve the adhesion of the active materials on the seeds after treatment. Suitable binders are homo- and copolymers from alkylene oxides like ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, polyvinylacetate, polyvinylalcohols, polyvinylpyrrolidones, and copolymers thereof, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, acrylic homo- and copolymers, polyethyleneamines, polyethyleneamides and polyethyleneimines, polysaccharides like celluloses, tylose and starch, polyolefin homo- and copolymers like olefin/maleic anhydride copolymers, polyurethanes, polyesters, polystyrene homo and copolymers

Optionally, also colorants can be included in the formulation. Suitable colorants or dyes for seed treatment formulations are Rhodamin B, C.I. Pigment Red 112, C.I. Solvent Red 1, pigment blue 15:4, pigment blue 15:3, pigment blue 15:2, pigment blue 15:1, pigment blue 80, pigment yellow 1, pigment yellow 13, pigment red 112, pigment red 48:2, pigment red 48:1, pigment red 57:1, pigment red 53:1, pigment orange 43, pigment orange 34, pigment orange 5, pigment green 36, pigment green 7, pigment white 6, pigment brown 25, basic violet 10, basic violet 49, acid red 51, acid red 52, acid red 14, acid blue 9, acid yellow 23, basic red 10, basic red 108.

Examples of a gelling agent is carrageen (Satiagel®)

In the treatment of seed, the application rates of the compounds I are generally from 0.1 g to 10 kg per 100 kg of seed, preferably from 1 g to 5 kg per 100 kg of seed, more preferably from 1 g to 1000 g per 100 kg of seed and in particular from 1 g to 200 g per 100 kg of seed.

The invention therefore also relates to seed comprising a compound of the formula (I), or an agriculturally useful salt of I, as defined herein. The amount of the compound I or the agriculturally useful salt thereof will in general vary from 0.1 g to 10 kg per 100 kg of seed, preferably from 1 g to 5 kg per 100 kg of seed, in particular from 1 g to 1000 g per 100 kg of seed. For specific crops such as lettuce the rate can be higher.

The compounds of formula (I) or the enantiomers or veterinary acceptable salts thereof are in particular also suitable for being used for combating parasites in and on animals.

An object of the present invention is therefore also to provide new methods to control parasites in and on animals. Another object of the invention is to provide safer pesticides for animals. Another object of the invention is further to provide pesticides for animals that may be used in lower doses than existing pesticides. And another object of the invention is to provide pesticides for animals, which provide a long residual control of the parasites.

The invention also relates to compositions containing a parasiticidally effective amount of compounds of formula (I) or the enantiomers or veterinarily acceptable salts thereof and an acceptable carrier, for combating parasites in and on animals.

The present invention also provides a method for treating, controlling, preventing and protecting animals against infestation and infection by parasites, which comprises orally, topically or parenterally administering or applying to the animals a parasiticidally effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or the enantiomers or veterinarily acceptable salts thereof or a composition comprising it.

The invention also provides a process for the preparation of a composition for treating, controlling, preventing or protecting animals against infestation or infection by parasites which comprises a parasiticidally effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or the enantiomers or veterinarily acceptable salts thereof or a composition comprising it. Activity of compounds against agricultural pests does not suggest their suitability for control of endo- and ectoparasites in and on animals which requires, for example, low, non-emetic dosages in the case of oral application, metabolic compatibility with the animal, low toxicity, and a safe handling.

Surprisingly it has now been found that compounds of formula (I) are suitable for combating endo- and ectoparasites in and on animals.

Compounds of formula (I) or the enantiomers or veterinarily acceptable salts thereof and compositions comprising them are preferably used for controlling and preventing infestations and infections animals including warm-blooded animals (including humans) and fish. They are for example suitable for controlling and preventing infestations and infections in mammals such as cattle, sheep, swine, camels, deer, horses, pigs, poultry, rabbits, goats, dogs and cats, water buffalo, donkeys, fallow deer and reindeer, and also in fur-bearing animals such as mink, chinchilla and raccoon, birds such as hens, geese, turkeys and ducks and fish such as fresh- and salt-water fish such as trout, carp and eels.

Compounds of formula (I) or the enantiomers or veterinarily acceptable salts thereof and compositions comprising them are preferably used for controlling and preventing infestations and infections in domestic animals, such as dogs or cats.

Infestations in warm-blooded animals and fish include, but are not limited to, lice, biting lice, ticks, nasal bots, keds, biting flies, muscoid flies, flies, myiasitic fly larvae, chiggers, gnats, mosquitoes and fleas.

The compounds of formula (I) or the enantiomers or veterinarily acceptable salts thereof and compositions comprising them are suitable for systemic and/or nonsystemic control of ecto- and/or endoparasites. They are active against all or some stages of development.

The compounds of formula (I) are especially useful for combating ectoparasites.

The compounds of formula (I) are especially useful for combating parasites of the following orders and species (e.g. as above previously listed in the target pests if not explicitly listed hereunder), respectively:

fleas (Siphonaptera);

cockroaches (Blattaria-Blattodea);

flies, mosquitoes (Diptera);

lice (Phthiraptera);

ticks and parasitic mites (Parasitiformes) from arachnoidea;

Actinedida (Prostigmata) and Acaridida (Astigmata);

Bugs (Heteropterida);

Anoplurida, e.g. Haematopinus spp., Linognathus spp., Pediculus spp., Phtirus spp., and Solenopotes spp; Mallophagida (suborders Arnblycerina and Ischnocerina), e.g. Trimenopon spp., Menopon spp., Trinoton spp., Bovicola spp., Werneckiella spp., Lepikentron spp., Trichodectes spp., and Felicola spp; Roundworms Nematoda, e.g. Wipeworms and Trichinosis (Trichosyringida), e.g. Trichinellidae (Trichinella spp.), (Trichuridae) Trichuris spp., Capillaria spp; Rhabditida, e.g. Rhabditis spp, Strongyloides spp., Helicephalobus spp, Strongylida, e.g. Strongylus spp., Ancylostoma spp., Necator americanus, Bunostomum spp. (Hookworm), Trichostrongylus spp., Haemonchus contortus., Ostertagia spp., Cooperia spp., Nematodirus spp., Dictyocaulus spp., Cyathostoma spp., Oesophagostomum spp., Stephanurus dentatus, Ollulanus spp., Chabertia spp., Stephanurus dentatus, Syngamus trachea, Ancylostoma spp., Uncinaria spp., Globocephalus spp., Necator spp., Metastrongylus spp., Muellerius capillaris, Protostrongylus spp., Angiostrongylus spp., Parelaphostrongylus spp. Aleurostrongylus abstrusus, and Dioctophyma renale; Intestinal roundworms (Ascaridida), e.g. Ascaris lumbricoides, Ascaris suum, Ascaridia galli, Parascaris equorum, Enterobius vermicularis (Threadworm), Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonine, Skrjabinema spp., and Oxyuris equi, Camallanida, e.g. Dracunculus medinensis (guinea worm) Spirurida, e.g. Thelazia spp. Wuchereria spp., Brugia spp., Onchocerca spp., Dirofilari spp. a, Dipetalonema spp., Setaria spp., Elaeophora spp., Spirocerca lupi, and Habronema spp; Thorny headed worms (Acanthocephala), e.g. Acanthocephalus spp., Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus and Oncicola spp, Planarians (Plathelminthes): Flukes (Trematoda), e.g. Faciola spp., Fascioloides magna, Paragonimus spp., Dicrocoelium spp., Fasciolopsis buski, Clonorchis sinensis, Schistosoma spp., Trichobilharzia spp., Alaria alata, Paragonimus spp., and Nanocyetes spp, Cercomeromorpha, in particular Cestoda (Tapeworms), e.g. Diphyllobothrium spp., Tenia spp., Echinococcus spp., Dipylidium caninum, Multiceps spp., Hymenolepis spp., Mesocestoides spp., Vampirolepis spp., Moniezia spp., Anoplocephala spp., Sirometra spp., Anoplocephala spp., and Hymenolepis spp.

The compounds of formula (I) and compositions containing them are particularly useful for the control of pests from the orders Diptera, Siphonaptera and Ixodida.

Moreover, the use of the compounds of formula (I) formula (I) and compositions containing them for combating mosquitoes is especially preferred.

The use of the compounds of formula I and compositions containing them for combating flies is a further preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Furthermore, the use of the compounds of formula (I) and compositions containing them for combating fleas is especially preferred.

The use of the compounds of formula (I) and compositions containing them for combating ticks is a further preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The compounds of formula (I) also are especially useful for combating endoparasites (roundworms nematoda, thorny headed worms and planarians).

Administration can be carried out both prophylactically and therapeutically. Administration of the active component(s) is carried out directly or in the form of suitable preparations, orally, topically/dermally or parenterally. The term active component(s) as used above mean comprising at least one compound of formula (I) and eventually further active compound(s).

For oral administration to warm-blooded animals, the compounds of formula (I) may be formulated as animal feeds, animal feed premixes, animal feed concentrates, pills, solutions, pastes, suspensions, drenches, gels, tablets, boluses and capsules. In addition, the compounds of formula (I) may be administered to the animals in their drinking water. For oral administration, the dosage form chosen should provide the animal with 0.01 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg of animal body weight per day of the formula (I) compound, preferably with 0.5 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg of animal body weight per day.

Alternatively, the compounds of formula (I) may be administered to animals parenterally, for example, by intraruminal, intramuscular, intravenous or subcutaneous injection.

The compounds of formula (I) may be dispersed or dissolved in a physiologically acceptable carrier for subcutaneous injection. Alternatively, the compounds of formula (I) may be formulated into an implant for subcutaneous administration. In addition the compound of formula (I) may be transdermally administered to animals. For parenteral administration, the dosage form chosen should provide the animal with 0.01 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg of animal body weight per day of the compound of formula (I).

The compounds of formula (I) may also be applied topically to the animals in the form of dips, dusts, powders, collars, medallions, sprays, shampoos, spot-on and pour-on formulations and in ointments or oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions. For topical application, dips and sprays usually contain 0.5 ppm to 5,000 ppm and preferably 1 ppm to 3,000 ppm of the compound of formula (I). In addition, the compounds of formula (I) may be formulated as ear tags for animals, particularly quadrupeds such as cattle and sheep. Suitable preparations are:

-   -   Solutions such as oral solutions, concentrates for oral         administration after dilution, solutions for use on the skin or         in body cavities, pouring-on formulations, gels;     -   Emulsions and suspensions for oral or dermal administration;         semi-solid preparations;     -   Formulations in which the active component is processed in an         ointment base or in an oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsion         base;     -   Solid preparations such as powders, premixes or concentrates,         granules, pellets, tablets, boluses, capsules; aerosols and         inhalants, and active component containing shaped articles.

Compositions suitable for injection are prepared by dissolving the active ingredient in a suitable solvent and optionally adding further ingredients such as acids, bases, buffer salts, preservatives, and solubilizers. The solutions are filtered and filled sterile.

Suitable solvents are physiologically tolerable solvents such as water, alkanols such as ethanol, butanol, benzyl alcohol, glycerol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, N-methyl-pyrrolidone, 2-pyrrolidone, and mixtures thereof.

The active component(s) can optionally be dissolved in physiologically tolerable vegetable or synthetic oils which are suitable for injection.

Suitable solubilizers are solvents which promote the dissolution of the active component in the main solvent or prevent its precipitation. Examples are polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyoxyethylated castor oil, and polyoxyethylated sorbitan ester.

Suitable preservatives are benzyl alcohol, trichlorobutanol, p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters, and n-butanol.

Oral solutions are administered directly. Concentrates are administered orally after prior dilution to the use concentration. Oral solutions and concentrates are prepared according to the state of the art and as described above for injection solutions, sterile procedures not being necessary.

Solutions for use on the skin are trickled on, spread on, rubbed in, sprinkled on or sprayed on.

Solutions for use on the skin are prepared according to the state of the art and according to what is described above for injection solutions, sterile procedures not being necessary.

In general, “parasiticidally effective amount” means the amount of active ingredient needed to achieve an observable effect on growth, including the effects of necrosis, death, retardation, prevention, and removal, destruction, or otherwise diminishing the occurrence and activity of the target organism. The parasiticidally effective amount can vary for the various compounds/compositions used in the invention. A parasiticidally effective amount of the compositions will also vary according to the prevailing conditions such as desired parasiticidal effect and duration, target species, mode of application, and the like.

The compositions which can be used in the invention can comprise generally from about 0.001 to 95% of the compound of formula (I).

Generally it is favorable to apply the compounds of formula (I) in total amounts of 0.5 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg per day, preferably 1 mg/kg to 50 mg/kg per day.

Ready-to-use preparations contain the compounds acting against parasites, preferably ectoparasites, in concentrations of 10 ppm to 80 percent by weight, preferably from 0.1 to 65 percent by weight, more preferably from 1 to 50 percent by weight, most preferably from 5 to 40 percent by weight.

Preparations which are diluted before use contain the compounds acting against ectoparasites in concentrations of 0.5 to 90 percent by weight, preferably of 1 to 50 percent by weight.

Furthermore, the preparations comprise the compounds of formula (I) against endoparasites in concentrations of 10 ppm to 2 percent by weight, preferably of 0.05 to 0.9 percent by weight, very particularly preferably of 0.005 to 0.25 percent by weight.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the compositions comprising the compounds of formula (I) are applied dermally/topically.

In a further preferred embodiment, the topical application is conducted in the form of compound-containing shaped articles such as collars, medallions, ear tags, bands for fixing at body parts, and adhesive strips and foils.

Generally it is favorable to apply solid formulations which release compounds of formula (I) in total amounts of 10 ring/kg to 300 mg/kg, preferably 20 mg/kg to 200 mg/kg, most preferably 25 mg/kg to 160 mg/kg body weight of the treated animal in the course of three weeks.

For the preparation of the shaped articles, thermoplastic and flexible plastics as well as elastomers and thermoplastic elastomers are used. Suitable plastics and elastomers are polyvinyl resins, polyurethane, polyacrylate, epoxy resins, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, polyamides and polyester which are sufficiently compatible with the compounds of formula (I). A detailed list of plastics and elastomers as well as preparation procedures for the shaped articles is given e.g. in WO 03/086075.

The present invention is now illustrated in further details by the following examples, without imposing any limitation thereto.

S. SYNTHESIS EXAMPLES Example. 1: Synthesis S1 Synthesis of Example numbered C-3: 6-(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)-1-isopropyl-3-methyl-4-oxo-7,8-dihydro-6H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrimidin-1-ium-2-olate

Step 1.1: 6-chloro-3-pyridyl) methanol

To a solution of LiAlH₄ (25 g, 0.65 mol) in THF (1500 ml) was added a solution of 6-chloropyridine-3-carboxylic acid (50 g, 0.323 mol) in THF drop-wise at 0° C., and the mixture was stirred for 3h at 0° C. THF and Na₂SO₄×5H₂O was added slowly. After stirring for 20 min, the mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated to give crude product (26 g, yield: 57.1%).

Step 1.2: 6-chloropyridine-3-carbaldehyde

To a solution of PCC (58 g, 0.27 mol) in DCM (1500 ml) was added the product of the proceeding step (26 g, 0.184 mol) as a solution in DCM drop wise at 0° C. The mixture was then stirred for 2h at 20° C. It was filtered through diatomaceous earth and the filter contents were washed with DCM. The organic phase was concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by column chromatography to give the product (15 g, yield: 60.1%).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 10.067 (s, 1H), 8.874 (s, 1H, J=3 Hz), 8.158˜8.138 (d, 1H, J=8 Hz), 7.534˜7.513 (d, 1H, J=8 Hz)

Step 1.3: Methyl 4-(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)-4-oxo-butanoate

To a solution of 6-chloropyridine-3-carbaldehyde (10 g, 70 mmol) in DMF (40 ml) was added NaCN (0.7 g, 14 mmol). The mixture was stirred for 1h followed by dropwise addition of methyl acrylate (5.2 g, 60 mmol). Stirring was continued for 3h at room temperature, the solution was poured into water, and extracted with EtOAc. The organic phase was dried, filtered and concentrated to give methyl 4-(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)-4-oxo-butanoate (6.8 g, yield: 42.5%).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 8.971˜8.968 (m, 1H), 8.219˜8.198 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.462˜7.441 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 3.710 (s, 3H), 3.306˜3.274 (m, 1H) 2.812˜2.760 (m, 2H).

Step 1.4: 5-(6-chloro-3-pyridyl) pyrrolidin-2-one

To a solution of methyl 4-(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)-4-oxo-butanoate (6.7 g, 29.5 mmol) in MeOH (100 ml) was added NH₄OAc (6.8 g, 88.3 mmol) and NaBH₃CN (5.6 g, 88.3 mmol), and the mixture was refluxed overnight. The solvent was removed in vacuo, the residue dissolved in DCM, washed with brine, dried, and concentrated to give the crude product. Purification by column chromatography gave the product (3 g, yield: 51.9%).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 8.336˜8.330 (d, 1H, J=2.4 Hz), 7.642˜7.616 (m, 1H), 7.361˜7.340 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 6.987 (s, 1H), 4.819˜4.782 (m, 1H), 2.634˜2.482 (m, 1H), 2.474˜2.432 (m, 2H), 1.967˜1.935 (m, 1H).

Step 1.5: 5-(6-chloro-3-pyridyl) pyrrolidine-2-thione

To a solution of the compound from the preceding step (2.4 g, 12.24 mmol) in dioxane (150 ml) was added P₂S₅ (3.3 g, 14.7 mmol) at RT. The mixture was heated to 110° C. and stirred for 2.0 h. After filtration of the hot mixture, the filtrate was concentrated to give the crude material. Purification by column chromatography yielded the pure product (1.56 g, yield: 60.2%).

Step 1.6: 2-chloro-5-(5-methylsulfanyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrol-2-yl)pyridine

To a solution of 5-(6-chloro-3-pyridyl) pyrrolidine-2-thione (2 g, 9.4 mmol) in acetone (100 ml) was added K₂CO₃. After stirring at RT for 30 min, iodomethane was added and stirred for additional 3h at room temperature. After filtration, the filtrate was concentrated to give the crude material. Purification by column chromatography yielded the pure product (2.1 g, yield: 97.6%).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 8.320 (s, 1H), 7.564˜7.544 (d, 1H, J=8.0 Hz), 7.298˜7.278 (d, 1H, J=8.0 Hz), 5.105˜5.068 (m, 1H), 2.856˜2.792 (m, 2H), 2.634˜2.513 (m, 2H), 2.179 (s, 3H), 1.820˜1.255 (m, 1H).

Step 1.7: 2-(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)-N-isopropyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrol-5-amine

To the product from step 6 (0.25 g, 1.03 mmol) in THF (30 ml) was added isopropyl amine (580 mg, 10.3 mmol) and the mixture was heated in a sealed tube at 130° C. overnight. Cooled to 20° C. the solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in EtOAc (60 mL), washed with water (30 mL), brine, and concentrated to give the product (230 mg, yield: 88.1%).

Step 1.8: 3-(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)-8-(dimethylamino)-5-oxo-6-phenyl-1,2,3,8-tetrahydroindolizin-4-ium-7-olate

The product from step 7 (0.23 g, 0.96 mmol) and bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl) 2-phenylpropanedioate (0.62 g, 1.2 mmol) was taken up in toluene (5 ml) with a few drops of DMF. The reaction mixture was heated in a microwave oven at 150° C. for 90 min. After cooling to RT, it was poured into water (10 ml), and extracted with EtOAc (45 mL). The organic phase was dried with Na₂SO₄, and concentrated to give the crude material. Purification by column chromatography yielded the pure product (0.155 g, yield: 57.8%).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 8.400˜8.394 (d, 1H, J=2.4 Hz), 7.8818˜7.791 (m, 1H), 7.470˜7.395 (m, 3H), 7.285˜7.142 (m, 3H), 5.841˜5.807 (m, 1H), 3.771˜3.608 (m, 2H), 2.982˜2.869 (m, 2H), 2.249˜2.192 (m, 1H), 1.722˜1.671 (m, 6H).

Example 2: Synthesis S2 Synthesis of Example numbered C-8: 6-(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)-1-methyl-4-oxo-3-phenyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydropyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-5-ium-2-olate

Step 2.1: Methyl 5-(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)-5-oxo-pentanoate

To a mixture of Zn metal (21.7 g, 0.339 mol) and DMI (38.6 g, 0.339 mol) in MeCN (300 mL) was added under an argon atmosphere 0.2 ml of TMSCl at 60° C. stirred for 5 min, followed by addition of methyl 4-iodo butanoate (58 g, 0.254 mol). The mixture was stirred for 2 hours at this temperature, and then cooled to room temperature. This solution was used directly.

To a mixture of 6-chloropyridine-3-carbonyl chloride (14.8 g, 0.085 mol) and Pd(OAc)₂ (0.57 g, 0.00254 mol) in MeCN (300 mL) was added under an argon atmosphere the alkyl zinc reagent and stirred at room temperature. After 2 hours, sat.NH₄Cl solution was added to the reaction mixture and it was extracted with EtOAc. The organic phases were combined, washed with brine, dried, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product. Purification by column chromatography yielded the pure product (9.5 g).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ d 8.88˜8.89 (d, 1H, J=2 Hz), 8.13˜8.19 (m, 1H), 7.36˜7.40 (d, 1H, J=16 Hz), 4.03˜4.01 (q, 2H), 2.98˜3.02 (t, 2H, J=6.8 Hz) 2.37˜2.407 (t, 2H, J=7.2 Hz), 1.98˜2.05 (m, 2H), 1.15˜1.22 (t, 2H, J=13 Hz).

Step 2.2: 6-(6-chloro-3-pyridyl) piperidin-2-one

To a solution of methyl 5-(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)-5-oxo-pentanoate (9.5 g, 39.4 mmol) in MeOH (150 ml) was added NH₄OAc (6.1 g, 78.8 mmol) and NaBH₃CN (5 g, 78.8 mmol), and the mixture refluxed for overnight. Cooled to RT, the solvent was removed in vacuo, the residue dissolved in DCM, washed with brine dried concentrated to give the crude product. Purification by column chromatography yielded the pure product (5 g, yield: 61%).

Step 2.3: 6-(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)piperidine-2-thione

To a solution of 6-(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)piperidin-2-one (2.2 g, 10.4 mmol) in dioxane (150 ml) was added P₂S₅ (2.8 g, 12.6 mmol) at 20° C. The mixture was stirred for 2.5 h at 120° C. After filtration of the hot mixture, the filtrate was concentrated to give the crude material. Purification by column chromatography yielded the pure product (1.5 g, yield: 63.5%).

Step 2.4: 2-chloro-5-(6-methylsulfanyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyridin-2-yl)pyridine

To a solution of 6-(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)piperidine-2-thione (1.5 g, 6.64 mmol) in acetone (120 ml) was added K₂CO₃ and stirred for 30 min, then iodo methane (1.42 g, 9.96 mmol) was added and stirred for overnight at 20° C. After filtration, the filtrate was concentrated to give the crude material. Purification by column chromatography yielded the pure product (1.2 g, yield: 75.3%).

Step 2.5: 2-(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)-N-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyridin-6-amine

2-chloro-5-(6-methylsulfanyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyridin-2-yl)pyridine (0.6 g, 2.5 mmol) was taken up in methyl amine (20 mL, 40 mmol), and the mixture was heated in a sealed tube at 80° C. for overnight. Cooled to 20° C. the solvent was removed in vacuo, the residue was dissolved in EtOAc (60 mL) and washed with water (30 mL), and brine. The organic phase was concentrated to give the product (480 mg, crude).

Step 2.6: 6-(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)-1-methyl-4-oxo-3-phenyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydropyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-5-ium-2-olate

The product from the preceding step (0.48 g, crude) and bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl) 2-phenylpropanedioate (1.4 g, 2.4 mmol) was taken up in toluene (5 ml) with a few drops of DMF. The reaction mixture was heated in a microwave oven at 150° C. for 90 min. After cooling to RT, it was poured into water (10 ml), and extracted with EtOAc (45 mL). The organic phase was dried with Na₂SO₄, and concentrated to give the crude material. Purification by column chromatography yielded the pure product (0.4 g, yield: 50.7%).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ d 8.381˜8.375 (d, 1H, J=2.4 Hz), 7.818˜7.791 (m, 1H), 7.552˜7.485 (m, 3H), 7.207˜7.048 (m, 3H), 5.941˜5.933 (s, 1H), 3.495 (s, 3H), 3.236˜3.174 (m, 2H), 2.179˜2.132 (m, 2H), 1.822˜1.426 (m, 2H).

Example 3, Synthesis S3 Synthesis of Example numbered C-6: 6-(2-chlorothiazol-5-yl)-1-methyl-4-oxo-3-phenyl-3,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrimidin-5-ium-2-olate

A mixture of 2-(2-chlorothiazol-5-yl)-N-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrol-5-amine (230 mg, 1.07 mmol) and bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl) 2-phenylpropanedioate (632 mg, 1.17 mmol) in toluene (10 ml) in sealed tube was heated at 150° C. for 90 min under microwave irradiation. Cooled to RT, the resulting mixture was concentrated, and the residue was purified by preparative TLC to give 6-(2-chlorothiazol-5-yl)-1-methyl-4-oxo-3-phenyl-3,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrimidin-5-ium-2-olate (90 mg, yield: 23%) as a yellow solid.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ d 7.87 (s, 1H), 7.60 (d, 2H, J=7.2 Hz), 7.23 (t, 2H, J=7.6 Hz), 7.08 (t, 1H, J=7.6 Hz), 5.98˜5.95 (m, 1H), 3.67˜3.59 (m, 1H), 3.51˜3.44 (m, 1H), 3.37 (s, 3H), 2.69˜2.67 (m, 1H), 2.60˜2.54 (m, 1H).

Compounds can in general be characterized e.g. by coupled High Performance Liquid Chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS), by ¹H-NMR and/or by their melting points.

Conditions:

Analytical HPLC column 1: RP-18 column Chromolith Speed ROD from Merck KgaA, Germany). Elution: acetonitrile+0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)/water+0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in a ratio from 5:95 to 95:5 in 5 minutes at 40° C.

r.t.=HPLC retention time (RT) in minutes; m/z of the [M+H]+, [M+Na]+ or [M+K]+ peaks.

Analytical HPLC column 2: Phenomenex Kinetex 1,7 μm XB-C18 100A; 50×2.1 mm Elution: A: acetonitrile+0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)/water+0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in a ratio of from 5:95 to 95:5 in 1.5 minutes at 50° C.

MS-method: ESI positive.

¹H-NMR, respectively ¹³C-NMR: The signals are characterized by chemical shift δ (ppm) vs. tetramethylsilane, respectively CDCl₃ for ¹³C-NMR, by their multiplicity and by their integral (relative number of hydrogen atoms given). The following abbreviations are used to characterize the multiplicity of the signals: m=multiplett, q=quartett, t=triplett, d=doublet and s=singulett. The coupling constant (J) is expressed in Hertz (Hz).

Further compounds examples of the present invention were prepared by analogy to the above described synthetic methods and the hereunder table illustrates, without imposing any limitation thereto, compounds examples of formula (I) including their corresponding characterization data:

Characterization ¹H-NMR and/or HPLC/MS N° Formula δ (ppm); J (Hz) C-1

CDCl₃: 8.26 (s, 1H), 7.54~7.53 (d, 1H), 7.52~7.51 (d, 1H), 7.31~7.26 (t, 2H), 7.16~7.13 (t, 1H), 5.77~5.74 (d, 1H), 3.47 (s, 3H), 3.33~2.24 (m, 1H), 3.15-3.07 (m, 1H), 2.68-2.58 (m, 1H), 2.13~2.05 (m, 1H), C-2

MeOD: 8.408~8.402 (d, 1H, J = 2.4 Hz), 7.825~7.798 (m, 1H), 7.470~7.427 (m, 3H), 7.289~7.147 (m, 3H), 5.860~5.827 (m, 1H), 4.272~4.219 (m, 1H), 4.056~4.022 (m, 1H), 3.763~3.310 (m, 2H), 2.959~2.922 (m, 1H), 2.270~2.213 (m, 1H), 1.444~1.408 (m, 1H). C-3

MeOD: 8.400~8.394 (d, 1H, J = 2.4 Hz), 7.8818~7.791 (m, 1H), 7.470~7.395 (m, 3H), 7.285~7.142 (m, 3H), 5.841~5.807 (m, 1H), 3.771~3.608 (m, 2H), 2.982~2.869 (m, 2H), 2.249~2.192 (m, 1H), 1.722~1.671 (m, 6H) C-4

MeOD: 8.495~8.489 (d, 1H, J = 2.4), 7.921~7.914 (d, 1H, J = 2.8), 7.622~7.594 (m, 4H), 7.494~7.475 (m, 4H), 7.278~7.135 (m, 3H), 5.918~5.884 (m, 1H), 3.341~3.098 (m, 1H), 3.084~3.072 (m, 1H), 2.854~2.802 (m, 1H), 2.168~2.161 (m, 1H) C-5

MeOD: 8.412~8.406 (d, 1H, J = 2.4), 7.820~7.793 (m, 1H), 7.486~7.436 (m, 3H), 7.293~7.156 (m, 3H), 5.929~5.897 (m, 1H), 5.136~4.886 (m, 2H), 3.796~3.610 (m, 2H), 2.915~2.512 (m, 2H) C-6

DMSO-D₆: 7.87 (s, 1H), 7.60 (d, 2H, J = 7.2), 7.23 (t, 2H, J = 7.6), 7.08 (t, 1H, J = 7.6), 5.98~5.95 (m, 1H), 3.67~3.59 (m, 1H), 3.51~3.44 (m, 1H), 3.37 (s, 3H), 2.69-2.67 (m, 1H), 2.60~2.54 (m, 1H) C-7

CDCl₃: 9.10 (s, 1H), 8.60 (s, 2H), 7.63 (d, 2H, J = 7.6), 7.24 (t, 2H, J = 7.8), 7.09 (t, 1H, J = 7.8), 5.72~5.68 (m, 1H), 3.42 (s, 3H), 3.28~3.21 (m, 1H), 3.11~3.08 (m, 1H), 2.62~2.56 (m, 1H), 2.10-2.06 (m, 1H) C-8

DMSO: 8.381~8.375 (d, 1H, J = 2.4), 7.818~7.791 (m, 1H), 7.552-7.485 (m, 3H), 7.207~7.048 (m, 3H), 5.941~5.933 (s, 1H), 3.495 (s, 3H), 3.236~3.174 (m, 2H), 2.179-2.132 (m, 2H), 1.822~1.426 (m, 2H) C-9

DMSO: 8.363~8.357 (d, 1H, J = 2.4), 7.787~7.760 (m, 1H), 7.564~7.460 (m, 3H), 7.207~7.050 (m, 3H), 5.938 (s, 1H), 4.252~4.007 (m, 2H), 3.364-3.155 (m, 2H), 2.239~1.828 (m, 3H), 1.500~1.473 (m, 1H) 1.309~1.274 (m, 3H) C-10

MeOD: 8.261~8.255 (d, 1H, J = 2.4), 7.670~7.117 (m, 7H), 6.045 (s, 1H), 3.333~3.222 (m, 2H), 2.288~2.178 (m, 3H), 1.932~1.922 (d, 2H, J = 4.0), 1.723~1.657 (m, 6H) C-11

DMSO: 8.511~8.506 (d, 1H, J = 2.0), 7.943~7.040 (m, 12H), 5.976 (s, 1H), 2.583 (s, 2H), 2.235~1.354 (m, 4H) C-12

CDCl₃: 7.66~7.62 (d, 2H), 7.27~7.21 (m, 2H), 7.11~7.08 (t, 1H), 6.34 (s, 1H), 3.47 (s, 3H), 2.90~2.86 (d, 1H), 2.76~2.70 (m, 1H), 2.57 (s, 3H), 2.22~2.20 (d, 1H), 1.94 (s, 3H). C-13

CDCl₃: 7.65~7.59 (d, 2H, J = 7.6), 7.29~7.22 (m, 2H), 7.13~7.10 (t, 1H), 6.31 m, 1H), 3.52 (s, 3H), 2.99~2.93 (m, 1H), 2.83~2.76 (m, 1H), 2.33~2.30 (m, 1H), 2.02~2.00 (m, 1H) C-14

CDCl₃: 9.13 (s, 1H), 8.51 (s, 2H), 7.65~7.63 (d, 2H, J = 7.6), 7.31~7.27 (t, 2H, J = 7.6), 7.16~7.13 (t, 1H, J = 7.6), 6.10 (m, 1H), 3.56 (s, 3H), 3.00~2.93 (m, 1H), 2.82~2.75 (m, 1H), 2.12-2.10 (m, 2H), 1.92~1.86 (m, 1H), 1.62~1.56 (m, 1H) C-15

HPLC/MS RT 1.106 min m/z 462.7 ¹H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm) 8.45 (s, 1H), 7.90 (s, 1H), 7.70 (d, 1H), 7.65 (t, 1H), 7.60 (d, 2H), 7.40 (t, 4H), 7.35 (t, 2H), 6.95 (s, 1H), 4.80 (d, 1H), 4.60 (d, 1H), 4.40- 4.25 (m, 1H), 4.05-3.95 (m, 1H), 1.45 (t, 3H) C-16

HPLC/MS RT 1.126 min m/z 452.6 ¹H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm) 7.95 (s, 1H), 7.75 (s, 1H), 7.70- 7.65 (m, 1H), 7.60 (d, 2H), 7.50-7.40 (m, 4H), 7.30 (t, 1H), 7.20 (s, 1H), 5.45 (dd, 1H), 5.35 (dd, 1H), 4.00-3.90 (m, 1H), 3.90- 3.80 (m, 1H), 1.40 (t, 3H) C-17

HPLC/MS RT 0.9 min m/z 385.3 ¹H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm) 7.75 (d, 2H), 7.50 (s, 1H), 7.35 (t, 2H), 7.20 (t, 1H), 6.00 (d, 1H), 5.95-5.80 (m, 1H), 5.30 (d, 1H), 5.20 (d, 1H), 4.60 (dd, 1H), 4.45 (dd, 1H), 3.40-3.30 (m, 1H), 3.20 (q, 1H), 2.62-2.50 (m, 1H), 2.45 (q, 1H) C-18

H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm/400 MHz) racemic 7.62 (d, 2H), 7.57 (s, 1H), 7.35 (t, 2H), 7.20 (t, 1H), 6.02 (q, 1H), 3.85 (q, 1H), 3.60 (s, 3H), 2.80-2.70 (m, 1H), 2.60-2.40 (m, 1H), 1.59 (d, 3H) C-19

¹H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm/400 MHz) 7.71 (s, 1H), 7.53 (d, 2H), 7.42 (t, 2H), 7.34 (t, 1H), 5.91 (dd, 1H), 4.95 (t, 1H), 4.81 (dd, 1H), 3.36 (s, 3H) C-20

HPLC-MS RT 0.969 min m/z 423.8 ¹H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm) 8.55 (s, 1H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 7.85 (d, 2H), 7.45 (d, 2H), 7.40 (d, 1H), 7.05 (s, 1H), 5.45 (d, 1H), 5.35 (d, 1H), 3.45 (s, 3H), 1.65(s(breit), 1H) C-21

HPLC-MS RT 0.891 min m/z 432.3 H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm) 7.75 (d, 2H), 7.40- 7.30 (m, 5H), 7.23 (d, 2H), 7.15 (t, 1H), 6.75 (s, 1H), 5.75 (d, 1H), 5.30 (d, 1H), 5.05 (d, 1H), 3.20 (s, 3H) 3.10-3.00 (m, 2H), 2.45-2.30 (m, 1H), 2.15-2.10 (m, 1H) C-22

¹HNMR (CDCl3/ppm/400 MHz) 8.08 (s, 1H), 7.98 (d, 1H), 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.48- 7.43 (m, 2H), 6.04 (d, 1H), 3.46 (s, 3H), 3.50- 3.44 (m, 1H), 3.32-3.25 (m, 1H), 2.71-2.68 (m, 1H), 2.61-2.56 (m, 1H) C-23

¹H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm/400 MHz) 8.29 (d, 1H), 7.71 (d, 2H), 7.52 (d, 1H), 7.44 (d, 5H), 7.34-7.30 (m, 2H), 7.18 (t, 1H), 5.85 (dd, 1H), 3.50 (s, 3H), 3.38-3.31 (m, 1H), 3.22-3.19 (m, 1H), 2.75-2.69 (m, 1H), 2.21-2.15 (m, 1H) C-24

HPLC/MS RT 0.846 min m/z 373.8 H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm) 7.70 (d, 2H), 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.35 (d, 2H), 7.2 (d, 1H), 6.05 (d, 1H), 4.00 (q, 2H), 3.44-3.40 (m, 1H), 3.25-3.20 (m, 1H), 2.65-2.60 (m, 1H), 2.60-2.50 (m, 1H), 1.66(s(breit), 1H), 1.37 (d, 3H) C-25

First eluting enantiomer (−) HPLC/MS RT 0.98 min m/z 428.6 C-26

HPLC-MS RT 1.079 min m/z 454.6 H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm) 8.40 (d, 1H), 7.98 (s, 1H), 7.85 (t, 1H), 7.70 (dd, 1H), 7.40 (d, 2H), 7.30 (d, 1H) 6.85 (s, 1H), 4.75 (dd, 1H), 4.45 (d, 1H) 4.25-4.15 (m, 1H), 3.90-3.80 (m, 1H), 1.35 (t, 3H) C-27

HPLC/MS RT 1.042 min m/z 442.6 H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm) 8.10 (s, 1H), 7.95 (d, 1H), 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.45 (q, 2H), 6.10 (d, 1H), 4.15-4.05 (m, 1H), 4.00- 3.90 (m, 1H), 3.60-3.50 (m, 1H), 3.40 (q, 1H), 2.85-2.75 (m, 1H), 2.65 (q, 1H), 1.40 (t, 3H) C-28

Second eluting enantiomer HPLC-MS RT 0.982 min m/z 428.6 C-29

H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm/400 MHz) racemic 7.65 (d, 2H), 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.35 (t, 2H), 7.25 (t, 1H), 6.05 (d, 1H), 3.60-3.45 (m, 1H), 3.50 (s, 3H), 3.00-2.90 (m, 1H), 2.35 (d, 1H), 1.55 (d, 3H) LC-MS RT 1.073 min m/z 374.2 C-30

HPLC-MS RT 0.891 min m/z 386.5 H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm) 8.45 (d, 1H), 7.75 (dd, 1H), 7.35 (d, 2H), 7.30 (t, H), 7.15 (t, 1H), 6.95 (s, 1H), 4.80 (d, 1H), 4.60 (d, 1H), 4.35-4.35 (m, 1H), 4.05- 3.95 (m, 1H), 1.50 (t, 3H) C-31

HPLC/MS RT 1.173 min m/z 455.2 H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm) 7.75 (s, 2H), 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.15 (s, 1H), 6.10 (d, 1H), 6.00-5.85 (m, 1H), 5.35 (d, 1H), 5.25 (d, 1H), 4.70-4.55 (m, 2H), 3.60-3.45 (m, 1H), 3.40 (q, 1H), 2.85-2.70 (m, 1H), 2.65 (q, 1H), 1.60 (s, 1H) C-32

HPLC/MS RT 1.025 min m/z 437.8 H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm) 8.55 (s, 1H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 7.90-7.80 (m, 2H), 7.45-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.05 (s, 1H), 5.55-5.45 (m, 1H), 5.45-5.40 (m, 1H), 4.15-4.00 (m, 1H), 3.90-3.80 (m, 1H), 1.45 (t, 3H) C-33

HPLC-MS RT 1.006 min m/z 431.8 H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm) 8.55 (s, 1H), 7.90 (d, 2H), 7.65 (d, 1H), 7.60 (d, 2H), 7.40 (d, 3H), 7.35 (d, 2H), 7.30 (t, 1H), 7.00 (s, 1H), 5.40 (d, 1H), 5.30 (d, 1H), 3.45 (s, 3H) C-34

HPLC/MS RT 1.014 min m/z 436.2 H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm) 7.75 (d, 2H), 7.45 (s, 1H), 7.40-7.30 (m, 6H), 7.28 (d, 1H), 7.20 (t, 1H), 5.95 (d, 1H), 5.25 (d, 1H), 5.05 (d, 1H), 3.25-3.05 (m, 2H), 2.55-2.40 (m, 1H), 2.35 (q, 1H), 1.70(s(breit), 1H) C-35

HPLC/MS RT 0.969 min m/z 443.8 H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm) 8.05 (s, 1H), 7.95 (d, 1H), 7.75 (s, 1H), 7.45 (d, 2H), 7.20 (s, 1H), 5.40 (q, 2H), 3.95- 3.85 (m, 1H), 3.85-3.70 (m, 1H), 1.20 (t, 3H) C-36

HPLC-MS RT 0.848 min m/z 369.7 H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm) 8.55 (d, 1H), 7.95 (dd, 1H), 7.65 (d, 2H), 7.35 (d, 1H), 7.30 (t, 1H), 7.25 (s, 3H), 7.20 (t, 1H), 7.10 (s, 1H), 5.50 (d, 1H), 5.40 (d, 1H), 4.10-3.95 (m, 1H), 3.90-3.80 (m, 1H), 1.45 (t, 3H) C-37

HPLC-MS RT 0.792 min m/z 356.6 H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm) 8.55 (d, 1H), 7.90 (dd, 1H), 7.65 (d, 2H), 7.35 (t, 3H), 7.20 (t, 1H), 6.95 (s, 1H), 5.30 (d, 1H), 5.15 (d, 1H), 3.35 (s, 3H), 1.65(s(breit), 1H) C-38

H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm/400 MHz) 7.76 (d, 2H), 7.54 (s, 1H), 7.37 (t, 2H), 7.21 (t, 1H), 5.26 (t, 1H), 4.96 (q, 1H), 4.53 (q, 1H), 3.49 (s, 3H) C-39

First Eluting Enantiomer (−) HPLC/MS RT 0.797 min m/z 360.5 C-40

HPLC-MS RT 1.180 min m/z 388.1 H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm/400 MHz) 7.70 (d, 2H), 7.48 (s, 1H), 7.33 (t, 2H), 7.19 (t, 1H), 5.86 (d, 1H), 3.53 (t, 3H), 2.57 (q, 1H), 2.44 (d, 1H), 1.53 (dd, 6H) C-41

HPLC/MS RT 1.096 min m/z 453.3 H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm) 8.10 (s, 1H), 7.90 (d, 1H), 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.45 (q, 2H), 6.10 (d, 1H), 6.00-5.80 (m, 1H), 5.35 (d, 1H), 5.25 (d, 1H), 4.65-4.45 (m, 2H), 3.60-3.40 (m, 1H), 3.35 (q, 1H), 2.80-2.62 (m, 1H), 2.60 (q, 1H) C-42

HPLC-MS RT 0.801 min m/z 360.5 C-43

HPLC-MS RT 1.079 min m/z 446.7 H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm) 8.55 (d, 1H), 7.90 (d, 2H), 7.65-7.60 (m, 1H), 7.60 (d, 2H), 7.40 (d, 3H), 7.35 (d, 2H), 7.30 (t, 1H), 7.05 (s, 1H), 5.40 (d, 1H), 5.30 (d, 1H), 4.10-3.90 (m, 1H), 3.90- 3.80 (m, 1H), 1.40 (t, 3H) C-44

HPLC-MS RT 1.096 min m/z 437.7 H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm) 8.55 (s, 1H), 7.90 (dd, 1H), 7.65 (s, 2H), 7.45 (d, 1H), 7.10 (s, 1H), 7.15 (t, 1H), 5.55 (d, 1H), 5.45 (d, 1H), 4.15-4.05 (m, 1H), 3.95-3.85 (m, 1H), 1.45 (t, 3H) C-45

HPLC-MS RT 0.792 min m/z 436.1 H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm) 7.99 (s, 1H), 7.73- 7.72 (m, 1H), 7.64 (d, 2H), 7.50 (s, 1H), 7.43 (t, 4H), 7.32 (t, 1H), 6.01 (d, 1H), 3.38 (s, 3H), 3.46-3.33 (m, 1H), 3.18-3.11 (m, 1H), 2.59- 2.48 (m, 2H) C-46

HPLC/MS RT 0.821 min m/z 372.5 H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm/500 MHz) 8.45 (d, 1H), 7.70 (d, 1H), 7.60 (d, 2H), 7.30-7.25 (m, 3H), 7.15 (t, 1H), 6.90 (s, 1H), 4.65 (d, 1H), 4.45 (d, 1H), 3.55 (s, 3H) C-47

HPLC/MS RT 0.842 min m/z 404.5 H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm) 7.65 (d, 2H), 7.55 (s, 1H), 6.90 (d, 2H), 6.10 (d, 1H), 4.15-4.05 (m, 1H), 4.00-3.90 (m, 1H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.60-3.45 (m, 1H), 3.35 (q, 1H), 2.80-2.70 (m, 1H), 2.65 (q, 1H), 1.40 (t, 3H) C-48

H-NMR (CDC3/ppm/400 MHz) 8.81 (s, 1H), 8.20 (s, 1H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 7.59 (d, 1H), 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.47 (t, 1H), 6.08 (d, 1H), 3.52 (s, 3H), 3.50-3.47 (m, 1H), 3.38-3.34 (m, 1H), 2.74-2.71 (m, 1H), 2.68-2.66 (m, 1H) C-49

HPLC/MS RT 1.068 min m/z 450.6 H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm) 7.98 (s, 1H), 7.70 (s, 1H), 7.60 (d, 2H), 7.50 (s, 1H), 7.40 (d, 3H), 7.39 (s, 1H), 7.30 (t, 1H), 6.05 (d, 1H), 3.95 (q, 2H), 3.50-3.40 (m, 1H), 3.22 (q, 1H), 2.70-2.60 (m, 1H), 2.52 (t, 1H), 1.65(s(breit), 1H), 1.35 (t, 3H) C-50

HPLC-MS RT 1.07 min m/z 428.8 H-NMR (CDCl3/ppm) 7.75 (s, 2H), 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.20 (t, 1H), 6.05 (d, 1H), 5.30 (s, 1H), 3.55-3.40 (m, 3H), 3.25 (q, 1H), 2.80- 2.60 (m, 1H), 2.60 (q, 1H)

The biological activity of the compounds of formula (I) of the present invention can be evaluated in biological tests as described in the following.

General conditions: If not otherwise specified, most test solutions are to be prepared as follows:

The active compound is dissolved at the desired concentration in a mixture of 1:1 (vol:vol) distilled water:acetone. The test solution is prepared at the day of use. Test solutions are prepared in general at concentrations of 2500 ppm, 1000 ppm, 500 ppm, 300 ppm, 100 ppm and 30 ppm (wt/vol).

Boll Weevil (Anthonomus grandis)

For evaluating control of boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis) the test unit consisted of 96-well-microtiter plates containing an insect diet and 5-10 A. grandis eggs.

The compounds were formulated using a solution containing 75% v/v water and 25% v/v DMSO. Different concentrations of formulated compounds were sprayed onto the insect diet at 5 μl, using a custom built micro atomizer, at two replications.

After application, microtiter plates were incubated at about 25±1° C. and about 75±5% relative humidity for 5 days. Egg and larval mortality was then visually assessed.

In this test, compounds C-3, C-47, C-29, C-40 and C-44 at 2500 ppm showed over 75% mortality in comparison with untreated controls.

Green Peach Aphid (Myzus persicae)

For evaluating control of green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) through systemic means the test unit consisted of 96-well-microtiter plates containing liquid artificial diet under an artificial membrane.

The compounds were formulated using a solution containing 75% v/v water and 25% v/v DMSO. Different concentrations of formulated compounds were pipetted into the aphid diet, using a custom built pipetter, at two replications.

After application, 5-8 adult aphids were placed on the artificial membrane inside the microtiter plate wells. The aphids were then allowed to suck on the treated aphid diet and incubated at about 23±1° C. and about 50±5% relative humidity for 3 days. Aphid mortality and fecundity was then visually assessed.

In this test, compounds C-1, C-2, C-3, C-6, C-8, C-9, C-12, C-13, C-21, C-34, C-45, C-23, C-22, C-24, C-27, C-49, C-47, C-48, C-50, C-29, C-40, C-32, C-43, C-44, C-38, C-17, C-41 and C-31 at 2500 ppm showed over 75% mortality in comparison with untreated controls.

Orchid Thrips (Dichromothrips Corbetti)

Dichromothrips corbetti adults used for bioassay were obtained from a colony maintained continuously under laboratory conditions. For testing purposes, the test compound is diluted in a 1:1 mixture of acetone:water (vol:vol), plus 0.01% vol/vol Alkannuls® EL 620 surfactant.

Thrips potency of each compound was evaluated by using a floral-immersion technique. Plastic petri dishes were used as test arenas. All petals of individual, intact orchid flowers were dipped into treatment solution and allowed to dry. Treated flowers were placed into individual petri dishes along with about 20 adult thrips. The petri dishes were then covered with lids. All test arenas were held under continuous light and a temperature of about 28° C. for duration of the assay. After 3 days, the numbers of live thrips were counted on each flower, and along inner walls of each petri dish. The percent mortality was recorded 72 hours after treatment.

In this test, compounds C-1, C-2, C-3, C-6, C-8, C-34, C-45, C-22, C-24, C-27, C-49, C-47, C-28, C-48, C-50, C-29, C-42, C-35 and C-38 at 500 ppm showed over 75% mortality in comparison with untreated controls.

Rice Green Leafhopper (Nephotettix virescens)

Rice seedlings were cleaned and washed 24 hours before spraying. The active compounds were formulated in 50:50 acetone:water (vol:vol), and 0.1% vol/vol surfactant (EL 620) was added. Potted rice seedlings were sprayed with 5 ml test solution, air dried, placed in cages and inoculated with 10 adults. Treated rice plants were kept at about 28-29° C. and relative humidity of about 50-60%. Percent mortality was recorded after 72 hours.

In this test, compounds C-1, C-2, C-6, C-8, C-22, C-24, C-47, C-28, C-42 and C-38 at 500 ppm showed over 75% mortality in comparison with untreated controls.

Rice Brown Plant Hopper (Nilaparvata lugens)

Rice seedlings were cleaned and washed 24 hours before spraying. The active compounds were formulated in 50:50 acetone:water (vol:vol) and 0.1% vol/vol surfactant (EL 620) was added. Potted rice seedlings were sprayed with 5 ml test solution, air dried, placed in cages and inoculated with 10 adults. Treated rice plants were kept at about 28-29° C. and relative humidity of about 50-60%. Percent mortality was recorded after 72 hours.

In this test, compounds C-1, C-6, C-24, C-28, C-29, C-42 and C-38 at 500 ppm showed over 75% mortality in comparison with untreated controls.

Spider Mite (Tetranychus Spp)

The active compound is dissolved at the desired concentration in a mixture of 1:1 (vol:vol) distilled water:acetone. The test solution is prepared at the day of use. Potted cotton plants at two weeks of age were cleaned, air dried and inoculated with approximately 50 mites of various stages. The potted plants are sprayed after the pest population has been recorded. Percent mortality is recorded 72 hours after treatment. In this test, compounds C-9 and C-42 at 500 ppm showed over 75% mortality in comparison with untreated controls.

Tobacco Budworm (Heliothis virescens)

For evaluating control of tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens) the test unit consisted of 96-well-microtiter plates containing an insect diet and 15-25 H. virescens eggs. The compounds were formulated using a solution containing 75% v/v water and 25% v/v DMSO. Different concentrations of formulated compounds were sprayed onto the insect diet at 10 μl, using a custom built micro atomizer, at two replications.

After application, microtiter plates were incubated at about 28±1° C. and about 80±5% relative humidity for 5 days. Egg and larval mortality was then visually assessed. In this test, compounds C-1, C-45, C-44 and C-38 at 2500 ppm showed over 75% mortality in comparison with untreated controls.

Vetch Aphid (Megoura viciae)

For evaluating control of vetch aphid (Megoura viciae) through contact or systemic means the test unit consisted of 24-well-microtiter plates containing broad bean leaf disks.

The compounds were formulated using a solution containing 75% v/v water and 25% v/v DMSO. Different concentrations of formulated compounds were sprayed onto the leaf disks at 2.5 μl, using a custom built micro atomizer, at two replications.

After application, the leaf disks were air-dried and 5-8 adult aphids placed on the leaf disks inside the microtiter plate wells. The aphids were then allowed to suck on the treated leaf disks and incubated at about 23±1° C. and about 50±5% relative humidity for 5 days. Aphid mortality and fecundity was then visually assessed.

In this test, compounds C-1, C-2, C-3, C-6, C-8, C-9, C-13, C-34, C-45, C-22, C-24, C-27, C-49, C-47, C-48, C-50, C-29, C-40, C-44, C-38, C-19 and C-31 at 2500 ppm showed over 75% mortality in comparison with untreated controls. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A compound of formula (I)

wherein X, Y are each independently O or S; Z is selected from the group consisting of a direct bond, O, S(O)_(m), NR^(b), C(R^(a)R^(aa))O, C(═X¹), C(═X¹)Y¹, and Y¹C(═X¹); X¹ is selected from the group consisting of O, S, and NR^(b); Y¹ is selected from the group consisting of O, S, and NR^(c); A is CH, wherein the nitrogen of the pyrimidinium ring taken together with the contiguous linking carbon atom and A, as depicted in formula (I), form a four- to seven-membered ring, wherein each remaining ring member is a carbon atom, wherein each ring member may be substituted with up to 3 R^(a); Het is selected from any one of the following ring systems D-1 to D-56:

where # denotes the bond to A in formula (I); R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₈-alkyl, C₂-C₈-alkenyl, C₂-C₈-alkynyl, C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkyl, C₄-C₁₀-cycloalkenyl, and C₅-C₁₄-cycloalkylcycloalkyl or R¹ may form a three- to eleven-membered saturated, or partially unsaturated or aromatic carbo- or heterocyclic ring or ring system, which may contain 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of N(R^(c))_(p), O, and S, wherein S may be oxidized, and wherein the aforementioned groups and the carbo- or heterocyclic rings system may be unsubstituted, partially or fully substituted by R^(a); or R¹ is selected from the group consisting of C(═O)R^(b), C(═O)OR^(e), NR^(b)R^(c), C(═O)NR^(b)R^(c), C(═S)NR^(b)R^(c), SO₂NR^(b)R^(c), OC(═O)R^(c), OC(═O)OR^(e), OC(═O)NR^(b)R^(e), N(R^(c))C(═O)R^(c), N(R^(c))C(═O)OR^(e), N(R^(c))C(═O)NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(c)SO₂R^(b), NR^(c)SO₂NR^(b)R^(c), Si(R^(d))₃, C(═NR^(c))R^(c), C(═NOR^(c))R C(═NNR^(b)R^(c))R^(c), C(═NN(C(═O)R^(b))R^(c))R^(c), C(═NN(C═O)OR^(c))(R^(c))₂, S(═O)_(o)(═NR^(b))_(q)R^(c) and N═CR^(b)R^(c); R^(a) is each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₂-C₄-alkenyl, C₂-C₄-alkynyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, CN, OR^(c), NR^(b)R^(c), NO₂, C(═O)(O)_(p)R^(c), OC(═O)(O)_(p)R^(e), C(═O)NR^(b)R^(c), OC(═O)NR^(b)R^(e), NR^(b)C(═O)(O)_(p)R^(e), NR^(b)C(═O)NR^(b)R^(c), C(═S)NR^(b)R^(c), S(O)_(m)R^(b), SO₂NR^(b)R^(c), OSO₂R^(c), OSO₂NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)SO₂R^(c), NR^(b)SO₂NR^(b)R^(c), N═S(═O)_(p)R^(c)R^(c), S(═O)_(o)(═NR^(b))_(q)R^(c), SF₅, OCN, SCN, Si(R^(d))₃ and a three- to six-membered saturated, or partially unsaturated or aromatic carbo- or heterocyclic ring, which may contain 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of N—(R^(c))_(p), O, and S which may be oxidized, and wherein the aforementioned groups and the carbo- or heterocyclic ring may be partially or fully substituted by R^(aa), or two geminally bound groups R^(a) together may form a group selected from the group consisting of ═O, ═S, ═CR^(b)R^(c), ═NR^(c), ═NOR^(c), and ═NNR^(c)R^(c); R^(aa) is each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy; R^(b) is each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy and a three- to six-membered saturated, or partially unsaturated or aromatic carbo- or heterocyclic ring, which may contain 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of N(R^(c))_(p), O, and S, wherein S may be oxidized and which carbo- or heterocyclic ring may be partially or fully substituted by R^(aa); R^(c) is each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyl, C₁-C₆ cycloalkyl, and a three- to six-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic carbo- or heterocyclic ring, which may contain 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of N(R^(aa))_(p), O and S, wherein S may be oxidized and wherein the carbo- or heterocyclic ring may be partially or fully substituted by R^(aa); wherein two geminally bound groups R^(b)R^(b), R^(c)R^(b) or R^(c)R^(c) together with the atom to which they are bound, may form a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic carbo- or heterocyclic ring, which may contain 1 to 2 heteroatoms or heteroatoms groups selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, NO, SO and SO₂ and wherein the carbo- or heterocyclic ring may be partially or fully substituted by R³; R^(d) is each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phenyl, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, and C₁-C₆-alkoxyalkyl, wherein the above mentioned groups may be substituted by one or more halogen; R^(e) is each independently selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyl, C₁-C₆ cycloalkyl, and a three- to six-membered saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic carbo- or heterocyclic ring, which may contain 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of N(R^(aa))_(p), O and S, wherein S may be oxidized and wherein the carbo- or heterocyclic ring may be partially or fully substituted by R^(aa); n is 0, 1 or 2; m is 0, 1, or 2; p is 0 or 1; R² is selected from the group consisting of H, halogen, CN, C₁-C₈ alkyl, C₂-C₈ alkenyl, C₂-C₈ alkynyl, C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkyl, C₄-C₁₀ alkylcycloalkyl, C₄-C₁₀ cycloalkylalkyl, C₆-C₁₄ cycloalkylcycloalkyl, C₅-C₁₀ alkylcycloalkylalkyl, and C₃-C₆ cycloalkenyl, wherein the aforementioned groups may be unsubstituted, partially, or fully substituted with R^(2a), or R² may form a carbo- or heterocyclic three- to ten-membered ring or a seven- to eleven-membered rings system, which ring or ring system may be saturated, partially unsaturated, or aromatic, and which ring or ring system may contain 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of N(R^(c))_(p), O, and S, wherein S may be oxidized, and wherein the carbo- or heterocyclic ring or rings system may be unsubstituted, partially, or fully substituted by R^(2a); with the proviso that if R² is halogen or CN, then Z is a direct bond; R^(2a) is each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₂-C₄-alkenyl, C₂-C₄-alkynyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, CN, OR^(c), NR^(b)R^(c), NO₂, C(═O)(O)_(p)R^(c), OC(═O)(O)_(p)R^(e), C(═O)NR^(b)R^(c), OC(═O)NR^(b)R^(e), NR^(b)C(═O)(O)_(p)R^(e), NR^(b)C(═O)NR^(b)R^(c), C(═S)NR^(b)R^(c), S(O)_(m)R^(b), SO₂NR^(b)R^(c), OSO₂R^(c), OSO₂NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)SO₂R^(c), NR^(b)SO₂NR^(b)R^(c), SF₅, OCN, SCN, Si(R^(d))₃, C(═N(O)_(p)R^(b)) R^(b), C(═NNR^(b)R^(c))R^(b), C(═NN(C(═O)O_(p)R^(c))R^(c))R^(b), ON═CR^(b)R^(c), ONR^(b)R^(c), S(═O)_(o)(═NR^(b))_(q)R^(c), SO₂NR^(b)(═O)NR^(b)R^(c), P(═X²)R^(b)R^(c), OP(═X²)(O_(p)R^(c))R^(b), OP(═X²)(OR^(c))₂, N═CR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)N═CR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)C(═S)NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)C(═NR^(b))NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)NR^(b)C(═X²)NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)NR^(b)SO₂NR^(b)R^(c), N═S(═O)_(p)R^(c)R^(c), and a three- to six-membered saturated, or partially unsaturated or aromatic carbo- or heterocyclic ring, which may contain 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of N—(R^(c))_(p), O, and S, wherein S may be oxidized, and wherein the aforementioned groups and the carbo- or heterocyclic ring may be partially or fully substituted by R^(2aa) or two geminally bound groups R^(2a) together may form a group selected from the group consisting of ═O, ═S, ═CR^(b)R^(c), ═NR^(c), ═NOR^(c), and ═NNR^(c)R^(c); R^(2aa) is each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₂-C₄-alkenyl, C₂-C₄-alkynyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, CN, OR^(c), NR^(b)R^(c), NO₂, C(═O)(O)_(p)R^(c), OC(═O)(O)_(p)R^(e), C(═O)NR^(b)R^(c), OC(═O)NR^(b)R^(e), NR^(b)C(═O)(O)_(p)R^(e), NR^(b)C(═O)NR^(b)R^(c), C(═S)NR^(b)R^(c), S(O)_(m)R^(b), SO₂NR^(b)R^(c), OSO₂R^(c), OSO₂NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)SO₂R^(c), NR^(b)SO₂NR^(b)R^(c), SF₅, OCN, SCN, Si(R^(d))₃, C(═N(O)_(p)R^(b))R^(b), C(═NNR^(b)R^(c))R^(b), C(═NN(C(═O)O_(p)R^(c))R^(b))R^(b), ON═CR^(b)R^(c), ONR^(b)R^(c), S(═O)_(o)(═NR^(b))_(q)R^(c), SO₂NR^(b)(═O)NR^(b)R^(c), P(═X²)R^(b)R^(c), OP(═X²)(O_(p)R^(c))R^(b), OP(═X²)(OR^(c))₂, N═CR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)N═CR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)C(═S)NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)C(═NR^(b))NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)NR^(b)C(═X²)NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)NR^(b)SO₂NR^(b)R^(c), and N═S(═O)_(p)R^(c)R^(c) or two geminally bound groups R^(2aa) together may form a group selected from the group consisting of ═O, ═S, ═CR^(b)R^(c), ═NR^(c), ═NOR^(c), and ═NNR^(c)R^(c); X² is independently O or S; R³ is each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, C₂-C₄-alkenyl, C₂-C₄-alkynyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, CN, OR^(c), NR^(b)R^(c), NO₂, C(═O)(O)_(p)R^(c), OC(═O)(O)_(p)R^(e), C(═O)NR^(b)R^(c), OC(═O)NR^(b)R^(e), NR^(b)C(═O)(O)_(p)R^(e), NR^(b)C(═O)NR^(b)R^(c), C(═S)NR^(b)R^(c), S(O)_(m)R^(b), SO₂NR^(b)R^(c), OSO₂R^(c), OSO₂NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)SO₂R^(c), NR^(b)SO₂NR^(b)R^(c), SF₅, OCN, SCN, Si(R^(d))₃, C(═N(O)_(p)R^(b))R^(b), C(═NNR^(b)R^(c))R^(b), C(═NN(C(═O)O_(p)R^(c))R)R^(b), ON═CR^(b)R^(c), ONR^(b)R^(c), S(═O)_(o)(═NR^(b))_(q)R^(c), SO₂NR^(b)(═O)NR^(b)R^(c), P(═X²)R^(b)R^(c), OP(═X²)(O_(p)R^(c))R^(b), OP(═X²)(OR^(c))₂, N═CR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)N═CR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)C(═S)NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)C(═NR^(b))NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)NR^(b)C(═X²)NR^(b)R^(c), NR^(b)NR^(b)SO₂NR^(b)R^(c), and N═S(═O)_(p)R^(c)R^(c) or two geminally bound groups R³ together may form a group selected from the group consisting of ═O, ═S, ═CR^(b)R^(c), ═NR^(c), ═NOR^(c), and ═NNR^(c)R^(c); and/or stereoisomers or agriculturally or veterinary acceptable salts or tautomers or N-oxides thereof.
 2. The compound of claim 1, wherein said compound is a compound of formula II-1:


3. The compound of claim 2, wherein Het is D-2 or D-25:

where * denotes the bond to A in formula (I).
 4. The compound of claim 1, having the formula III-1 or III-9:


5. The compounds of claim 4, wherein the combination of R¹ and ZR² for a compound corresponds in each case to one line of the following table: No. ZR² R¹ A-1 C₆H₅ CH₃ A-2 2-fluorophenyl CH₃ A-3 2-methoxyphenyl CH₃ A-4 2,4-difluorophenyl CH₃ A-5 2,6-difluorophenyl CH₃ A-6 4-fluorophenyl CH₃ A-7 CO₂CH₂CH₃ CH₃ A-8 C(O)CF₃ CH₃ A-9 C(O)C₆H₅ CH₃ A-10 3-methoxyphenyl CH₃ A-11 3-cyanophenyl CH₃ A-12 3-(CO₂CH₂CH₃)phenyl CH₃ A-13 3-(C(O)N(CH₃)₂)phenyl CH₃ A-14 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₃ A-15 3-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl CH₃ A-16 3,5-dichlorophenyl CH₃ A-17 3-fluoro-5-methylphenyl CH₃ A-18 2-methoxy-5(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₃ A-19 3-chloro-5(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₃ A-20 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)phenyl CH₃ A-21 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-4- CH₃ fluorophenyl A-22 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-5- CH₃ methylphenyl A-23 3-phenylphenyl CH₃ A-24 4-methoxyphenyl CH₃ A-25 3-(3-chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridine-2- CH₃ yl)phenyl A-26 C₆H₅ CH₂CH₃ A-27 2-fluorophenyl CH₂CH₃ A-28 2-methoxyphenyl CH₂CH₃ A-29 2,4-difluorophenyl CH₂CH₃ A-30 2,6-difluorophenyl CH₂CH₃ A-31 4-fluorophenyl CH₂CH₃ A-32 CO₂CH₂CH₃ CH₂CH₃ A-33 C(O)CF₃ CH₂CH₃ A-34 C(O)C₆H₅ CH₂CH₃ A-35 3-methoxyphenyl CH₂CH₃ A-36 3-cyanophenyl CH₂CH₃ A-37 3-(CO₂CH₂CH₃)phenyl CH₂CH₃ A-38 3-(C(O)N(CH₃)₂)phenyl CH₂CH₃ A-39 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₂CH₃ A-40 3-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl CH₂CH₃ A-41 3,5-dichlorophenyl CH₂CH₃ A-42 3-fluoro-5-methylphenyl CH₂CH₃ A-43 2-methoxy-5(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₂CH₃ A-44 3-chloro-5(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₂CH₃ A-45 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)phenyl CH₂CH₃ A-46 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-4- CH₂CH₃ fluorophenyl A-47 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-5- CH₂CH₃ methylphenyl A-48 3-phenylphenyl CH₂CH₃ A-49 4-methoxyphenyl CH₂CH₃ A-50 3-(3-chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridine-2-yl- CH₂CH₃ phenyl A-51 C₆H₅ CH(CH₃)₂ A-52 2-fluorophenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-53 2-methoxyphenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-54 2,4-difluorophenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-55 2,6-difluorophenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-56 4-fluorophenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-57 CO₂CH₂CH₃ CH(CH₃)₂ A-58 C(O)CF₃ CH(CH₃)₂ A-59 C(O)C₆H₅ CH(CH₃)₂ A-60 3-methoxyphenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-61 3-cyanophenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-62 3-(CO₂CH₂CH₃)phenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-63 3-(C(O)N(CH₃)₂)phenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-64 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-65 3-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-66 3,5-dichlorophenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-67 3-fluoro-5-methylphenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-68 2-methoxy-5(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-69 3-chloro-5(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-70 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)phenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-71 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-4- CH(CH₃)₂ fluorophenyl A-72 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-5- CH(CH₃)₂ methylphenyl A-73 3-phenylphenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-74 4-methoxyphenyl CH(CH₃)₂ A-75 3-(3-chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridine-2-yl- CH(CH₃)₂ phenyl A-76 C₆H₅ CH₂CH═CH₂ A-77 2-fluorophenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-78 2-methoxyphenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-79 2,4-difluorophenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-80 2,6-difluorophenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-81 4-fluorophenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-82 CO₂CH₂CH₃ CH₂CH═CH₂ A-83 C(O)CF₃ CH₂CH═CH₂ A-84 C(O)C₆H₅ CH₂CH═CH₂ A-85 3-methoxyphenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-86 3-cyanophenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-87 3-(CO₂CH₂CH₃)phenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-88 3-(C(O)N(CH₃)₂)phenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-89 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-90 3-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-91 3,5-dichlorophenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-92 3-fluoro-5-methylphenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-93 2-methoxy-5(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-94 3-chloro-5(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-95 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)phenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-96 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-4- CH₂CH═CH₂ fluorophenyl A-97 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-5- CH₂CH═CH₂ methylphenyl A-98 3-phenylphenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-99 4-methoxyphenyl CH₂CH═CH₂ A-100 3-(3-chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridine-2- CH₂CH═CH₂ yl)phenyl A-101 C₆H₅ CH₂C₆H₅ A-102 2-fluorophenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-103 2-methoxyphenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-104 2,4-difluorophenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-105 2,6-difluorophenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-106 4-fluorophenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-107 CO₂CH₂CH₃ CH₂C₆H₅ A-108 C(O)CF₃ CH₂C₆H₅ A-109 C(O)C₆H₅ CH₂C₆H₅ A-110 3-methoxyphenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-111 3-cyanophenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-112 3-(CO₂CH₂CH₃)phenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-113 3-(C(O)N(CH₃)₂)phenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-114 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-115 3-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-116 3,5-dichlorophenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-117 3-fluoro-5-methylphenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-118 2-methoxy-5(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-119 3-chloro-5(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-120 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)phenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-121 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-4- CH₂C₆H₅ fluorophenyl A-122 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-5- CH₂C₆H₅ methylphenyl A-123 3-phenylphenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-124 4-methoxyphenyl CH₂C₆H₅ A-125 3-(3-chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridine-2- CH₂C₆H₅ yl)phenyl A-126 C₆H₅ CH₂CF₃ A-127 2-fluorophenyl CH₂CF₃ A-128 2-methoxyphenyl CH₂CF₃ A-129 2,4-difluorophenyl CH₂CF₃ A-130 2,6-difluorophenyl CH₂CF₃ A-131 4-fluorophenyl CH₂CF₃ A-132 CO₂CH₂CH₃ CH₂CF₃ A-133 C(O)CF₃ CH₂CF₃ A-134 C(O)C₆H₅ CH₂CF₃ A-135 3-methoxyphenyl CH₂CF₃ A-136 3-cyanophenyl CH₂CF₃ A-137 3-(CO₂CH₂CH₃)phenyl CH₂CF₃ A-138 3-(C(O)N(CH₃)₂)phenyl CH₂CF₃ A-139 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₂CF₃ A-140 3-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl CH₂CF₃ A-141 3,5-dichlorophenyl CH₂CF₃ A-142 3-fluoro-5-methylphenyl CH₂CF₃ A-143 2-methoxy-5(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₂CF₃ A-144 3-chloro-5(trifluoromethyl)phenyl CH₂CF₃ A-145 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)phenyl CH₂CF₃ A-146 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-4- CH₂CF₃ fluorophenyl A-147 3-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-5- CH₂CF₃ methylphenyl A-148 3-phenylphenyl CH₂CF₃ A-149 4-methoxyphenyl CH₂CF₃ A-150 3-(3-chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridine-2- CH₂CF₃ yl)phenyl.


6. The compound of claim 5 having formula III-1:


7. The compound of claim 6, wherein the combination of R¹ and ZR² is selected from: A-1: ZR² is C₆H₅ and R¹ is CH₃; A-26: ZR² is C₆H₅ and R¹ is CH₂CH₃; A-51: ZR² is C₆H₅ and R¹ is CH(CH₃)₂; A-76: ZR² is C₆H₅ and R¹ is CH₂CH═CH₂; A-101: ZR² is C₆H₅ and R¹ is CH₂C₆H₅; A-14: ZR² is 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl and R¹ is CH₃; A-16: ZR² is 3,5-dichlorophenyl and R¹ is CH₃; and A-23: ZR² is 3-phenylphenyl and R¹ is CH₃.
 8. The compound of claim 6, wherein the combination of R1, ZR2 is selected from: A-1: ZR² is C₆H₅ and R¹ is CH₃; A-26: ZR² is C₆H₅ and R1 is CH₂CH₃; and A-14: ZR² is 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl and R¹ is CH₃.
 9. The compound of claim 6, wherein ZR² is C₆H₅ and R¹ is CH₃.
 10. The compound of claim 1, having formula III-9:


11. The compound of claim 10, wherein the combination of R¹ and ZR² is selected from: A-1: ZR² is C₆H₅ and R1 is CH₃; A-26: ZR² is C₆H₅ and R¹ is CH₂CH₃; A-51: ZR² is C₆H₅ and R¹ is CH(CH₃)₂; A-76: ZR² is C₆H₅ and R¹ is CH₂CH═CH₂; A-101: ZR² is C₆H₅ and R¹ is CH₂C₆H₅; A-14: ZR² is 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl and R¹ is CH₃; A-16: ZR² is 3,5-dichlorophenyl and R¹ is CH₃; and A-23: ZR² is 3-phenylphenyl and R¹ is CH₃.
 12. The compound of claim 10, wherein the combination of R¹ and ZR² is selected from: A-1: ZR² is C₆H₅ and R¹ is CH₃; A-26: ZR² is C₆H₅ and R1 is CH₂CH₃; and A-14: ZR² is 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl and R¹ is CH₃.
 13. The compound of claim 10, wherein ZR² is C₆H₅ and R¹ is CH₃.
 14. The compound of claim 1, wherein the nitrogen of the pyrimidinium ring taken together with the contiguous linking carbon atom and A, as depicted in formula (I), form a four-, five-, or seven-membered ring.
 15. The compound of claim 1, wherein the nitrogen of the pyrimidinium ring taken together with the contiguous linking carbon atom and A, as depicted in formula (I), form a five-membered ring.
 16. The compound of claim 1, wherein the nitrogen of the pyrimidinium ring taken together with the contiguous linking carbon atom and A form a four- to seven-membered saturated ring.
 17. An agricultural composition for combating animal pests comprising a compound of formula (I) and/or stereoisomers or agriculturally or veterinary acceptable salts or tautomers or N-oxides thereof as defined in claim 1, and at least one inert liquid and/or solid acceptable carrier and, if desired, at least one surfactant.
 18. A method for protecting crops, plants, plant propagation material and/or growing plants from attack or infestation by invertebrate pests comprising contacting or treating the crops, plants, plant propagation material and growing plants, or soil, material, surface, space, area or water in which the crops, plants, plant propagation material is stored or the plant is growing with a pesticidally effective amount of a compound of formula (I) and/or stereoisomers or agriculturally or veterinary acceptable salts or tautomers or N-oxides thereof as defined in claim.
 19. A method for combating, controlling, preventing or protecting against infestation or infection by invertebrates pest, which method comprises contacting said pest or its food supply, habitat or breeding grounds with a pesticidally effective amount of a compound of formula (I) and/or stereoisomers or agriulturally or veterinary acceptable salts or tautomers or N-oxides thereof as defined in claim
 1. 20. A non-therapeutic method for treating animals infested or infected by parasites or preventing animals of getting infected or infested by parasites or protecting animals against infestation or infection by parasites which comprises orally, topically or parenterally administering or applying to the animals a parasiticidally effective amount of a compound of formula (I) and/or stereoisomers or agriculturally or veterinary acceptable salts or tautomers or N-oxides thereof as defined in claim
 1. 21. A method for protecting crops, plants, plant propagation material and/or growing plants from attack or infestation by invertebrate pests comprising contacting or treating the crops, plants, plant propagation material and growing plants, or soil, material, surface, space, area or water in which the crops, plants, plant propagation material is stored or the plant is growing with a pesticidally effective amount of the composition of claim
 12. 22. A method for combating, controlling, preventing or protecting against infestation or infection by invertebrates pest, which method comprises contacting said pest or its food supply, habitat or breeding grounds with a pesticidally effective amount of the composition of claim
 12. 23. A seed treated with the compound of formula (I) and/or stereoisomers or agriculturally or veterinary acceptable salts or tautomers or N-oxides thereof as defined in claim 1 in an amount of from 0.1 g to 10 kg per 100 kg of seed. 